I went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days I set out during the night with a few men. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem. There were no mounts with me except the one I was riding on. – Nehemiah 2:11-12
Nehemiah had just been granted permission from his King to leave and go rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. No one knew of the plan except Nehemiah, the King, and the Queen. The circle was small. He kept these things to himself. But why stay for three days and then set out? Why not ride into town and throw a party, rally the people, and get this thing rollin’? He moved slowly but deliberately.
I think Nehemiah was sure. He had heard God speak. He had prayed. He had found favor with the king. He now moved slowly and deliberately, with great confidence.
It seems like I either run way ahead or I am so slow that by the time I need to do something, the window of opportunity has passed. Nehemiah seemed a master of pacing. He neither ran ahead of God nor got too far behind. He was confident and calm. He was grounded.
God, I am working on being well grounded. Help me listen to you and act in the appropriate time. I don’t want to run ahead or fall behind, but be in step with what you are asking me to do.
[tags]Nehemiah, devotions, journaling, following God, Jesus, church[/tags]