God’s Providence – God’s Providence in Opposition (365/123)
- Jun 3
- 2 min read
Sometimes God places a burden on our hearts that feels far greater than our strength or resources and the obstacles ahead appear overwhelming.
Nehemiah, though exiled in a foreign land, carried such a God-given burden. As cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, he held a trusted position. Yet, when he heard that Jerusalem’s walls remained broken and its people lived in distress, he wept, fasted, mourned, and prayed before God for many days (Nehemiah 1:4). Before speaking to an earthly king, he first sought the heavenly King.
After much prayer, Nehemiah asked the king for permission to travel, letters for safe passage through hostile territories, and timber from the king’s forest for the rebuilding work. The Scripture records that “the king granted them to me according to the good hand of my God upon me” (Nehemiah 2:8).
As God enabled Nehemiah to lead the people to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, He did not remove opposition. Critics mocked, threatened, and attempted to stop the work, but God strengthened Nehemiah and the people to persevere until the wall was completed.
Jesus, the Son of Man, came “to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luke 19:10) and to provide a way to be restored to our heavenly Father ( John 14:6).
Pause and Ponder
What burden or area of brokenness has God placed on your heart?
Where do you need to combine faithful prayer with courageous obedience?
Whom can you encourage today who feels overwhelmed by an impossible task?
God’s providence works through prayer, timing, wisdom, and unexpected people, giving courage, provision, favor, and strength to persevere through opposition.
Father, thank You for Your providence. Teach me to seek You in prayer and to move forward in obedient faith when You open doors. Amen.
Extended Reading: Nehemiah 1:1-2:10
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