"When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. 
For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven."
(Nehemiah 1:4)

Nehemiah had the job of a lifetime. He lived in the luxurious palace as the trusted cupbearer to the King of Persia. In the midst of this ease, affluence and plenty, Nehemiah was moved by a report about the tragic conditions in Jerusalem: walls were broken down, the gates were burned with fire, people were in great distress.

How do we respond when we hear about the suffering of fellow Christians? Nehemiah immediately bears their burden as His own. He sits down and weeps, mourning for many days and then seeking the Lord's mercy on behalf of the people. He prays for favor before the king.

Nehemiah's courage and loyalty are extraordinary. First, he asks the king to send him to Jerusalem to rebuild a city that will ultimately be at odds with him. Secondly, Nehemiah asks the king for a blank check to get the job done. In short order, the king says "Yes!" and Nehemiah sets out on his mission of mercy. Let your heart be moved by the God for whom all things are possible and whose kingdom will never end.

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