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A Broken Heart Becomes a Big Vision: Lessons from Nehemiah 1

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Introduction:

In the realm of dreams and visionaries, the story of the Wright brothers stands as an iconic example of human aspiration. They dared to dream the impossible—to fly. Much like them, Nehemiah, an ancient figure from the Bible, had a vision that defied the odds. In this blog post, we will explore Nehemiah 1 and uncover the powerful message it holds for us today. We’ll delve into the passion, prayer, and position of Nehemiah, drawing inspiration from his story to encourage you to discern your own vision and calling in life.

Section 1: The Passion of Nehemiah

Passion is the fuel that ignites extraordinary dreams. Just as the Wright brothers were passionate about aviation, Nehemiah was deeply moved by the plight of his people. Nehemiah lived in a time when Jerusalem lay in ruins, and its inhabitants were in distress. His heart was broken, and his passion to see Jerusalem restored burned within him. Dr. Howard Hendricks said, “Nehemiah was a man with a dislocated heart.” Nehemiah’s story reminds us that our most significant visions often arise from a place of profound empathy and concern for the world around us.

Section 2: The Prayer of Nehemiah

Nehemiah’s passion was accompanied by fervent prayer. He didn’t rush into action; instead, he turned to God in prayer. In Nehemiah 1, we find a heartfelt prayer in which he confessed the sins of his people, sought God’s guidance, and implored His favor. Nehemiah recognized that true vision is not born out of self-reliance but through a deep connection with a higher purpose. His prayer teaches us the importance of seeking divine guidance and relying on faith when pursuing our dreams. His prayer provides a model for our own prayers.

Section 3: The Position of Nehemiah

Nehemiah was not just a dreamer; he was a man of action. As the cupbearer to the king, he held a position of influence and access to the corridors of power. His position enabled him to speak to the king about his vision for Jerusalem’s restoration. This demonstrates that our life circumstances and positions can be strategically used to fulfill our vision. Nehemiah teaches us that sometimes, our current roles and resources are stepping stones toward our greater calling.

In conclusion, the story of Nehemiah reminds us that a broken heart can indeed become the source of a big vision. Just as the Wright brothers revolutionized aviation with their determination to fly, Nehemiah changed the course of history by rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls. Let us reflect on our own lives. What passions burn within us? Have we turned to prayer and sought divine guidance for our dreams? Are we leveraging our current positions and resources for the greater good? Nehemiah’s example challenges us to discover and pursue our own visions and callings, for it is in our dreams that we find the power to shape a better future for the glory of God.

 

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Dave Hentschel

David Hentschel serves as Lead Pastor: Preaching, Spiritual Formation and Care at Millington Baptist Church in Basking Ridge, NJ. He is a graduate of Philadelphia Biblical University and Dallas Theological Seminary. He and his wife Juli enjoy three children.
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