Share Life: 40 days of Prayer

Day 16 - March 10, 2007

Nehemiah 2:5-20

When Nehemiah tells the king the source of his grief, the king asks him to state his request. Nehemiah’s answer: “Let me go and rebuild the wall.” He then articulates what he’ll need in terms of resources in order fulfill the task. In essence, he requests materials, time, and traveling papers.

Things may begin with mourning the distance between what is and what can, but that alone doesn’t constitute vision and calling. We need to see the vision clearly enough to know some of what will be necessary to fulfill the vision. Jesus speaks of this as well when he talks about the importance of counting the cost.

Our vision is simple – To make Christ’s Life Visible – in our lives, families and neighborhoods. And then we envision this life spilling out into the Aurora neighborhood, and finally further reaches of our city and world. Simple vision? I’d suggest you pray though each element and ask God to show you something of the cost. This might just take some time! What is he teaching you? Feel free to share.

Finally, let’s note that counting the cost, and seeing doors open, doesn’t constitute the end of any journey. It’s rarely that easy. It seems that there are always forces at work, both internal and external, that are opposed to God’s purposes. I may set my heart on imparting Christ’s life to my children through parenting, for example, counting the cost and investing the time. Still, there will be setbacks and unanticipated turns.

Nehemiah, however, is undaunted by these challenges as he says, “…my God has been favorable to me…” It would be dangerous and arrogant language, if it weren’t true. Can you say this in your life? Can we say it in ours as a faith community? Without such confidence in God’s favor, calling, and grace, we’re paralyzed by critics and setbacks. May God give us the fortitude of faith that Nehemiah had so that, when setbacks come, we’ll be able to press on, enduring until the end.

posted by Richard Dahlstrom @ 9:55 AM