There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, ‘All right, then, have it your way.’
C. S. Lewis
A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.
Proverbs 16:9
What’s your New Year’s Resolution? Or are you a goal setter? As New Year’s Day approaches, people break out their calendars and start making goals and resolutions. Since I have been doing the 12-Week Year for Authors, setting goals has become a regular occurrence (every 12 weeks). The middle of January is when the next 12 weeks begins, so it doubles my need to make a plan for success. Books on planning can be excellent help, but as Christians we need to start with The Book.
The Problem
3 And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire. 4 And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven
Nehemiah 1:3-4
We often make a plan when we are trying to solve a problem, in my case revenue flow shortage. Translation: More month than money. I am trying to figure out how to stretch or tighten the budget but also looking for ways to grow my freelance writing career. The numbers have not been adding up, if you know what I mean. I’m trying to be a good steward and a good worker, but it is still a struggle. As I was wracking my brain for a solution, the Holy Spirit reminded me that I had yet to use my greatest resource: Prayer.
Nehemiah had a much greater problem to solve than a budget although money and resources did play a part. He discovered that the walls of Jerusalem were broken down and the city was exposed. Unlike many people who cry out for someone to do something, he decided that he needed to be the one to do something. What could one man do? As the King’s cupbearer, he had access to one of the most influential men on earth at the time, but he started with the most powerful being in the universe. He started by praying.
The Prayer
O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king’s cupbearer.
Nehemiah 1:11
Nehemiah’s first response was to weep. He was heart was broken at the state of Jerusalem and the people who remained there. Yet, he didn’t start with his request. First, he praised God for His character. Then, he confessed the sins of both himself and the people of Israel. Next, he reminded God of His own words. He quoted scripture back to God regarding His promises to the people if they repented. Finally, he asked God to prosper him so that the king would show mercy to him.
He didn’t just pray one time. He prayed for 4 months. So often I want God to immediately answer my prayers. We live in an instant gratification society, but God has his own timetable. If we will wait for His leading, He will open up the right opportunities at the right time. It’s not easy to wait, and I often complain in the meantime, but the end result is always better than the one I planned.
The Preparation
But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
Micah 7:7
During the four months that Nehemiah prayed, he didn’t just pray that God would open up the king’s heart to grant him favor. I am sure that he was also praying and thinking about what he would need so that when the time came, he would know what to ask for. Waiting isn’t a passive activity or lack of activity; it is following God’s last command while we wait on the next move. Often it is a season of preparation for what is to come. We may very well be waiting because we are not ready to receive what God has for us.
As a writer, while I wait for a publishing contract, I read, I revise, I research, I take workshops, and I pray. Hopefully, when the opportunity comes, like Nehemiah I want to be ready to take full advantage of what God has for me. While you wait for His answer, study the Bible, pray, and do what He has told you to do. The answer will come when we least expect it.
Related Posts: God’s Timing: Worth the Wait
What I’m Reading:
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Amen! Every plan begins with prayer; at least the successful ones in my experience. The remarkable thing is that many times I find that my plan is changed as God leads me to follow His rather than mine. Sometimes that’s an easy surrender, but in most cases (if I’m honest), He has to drag me into His plan kicking and screaming. Praying yours is an easy transition and God blesses your writing mightily my friend.
Hi Linda, your 12 week year writing plan sounds like a great investment. I will look into that too. Thanks for sharing!