Key Verse

Nehemiah 2:5 And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ graves, that I may rebuild it.”

Last week’s sermon showed us the importance of prayer before action. Nehemiah prayed, and then planned. Nehemiah was specific about his request to King Artaxerxes. He asked to go home and rebuild Jerusalem. This was a bold request because the King had previously ordered the building to stop. Nehemiah also asked the King to provide the timber to rebuild the gates and the doors. Because the good hand of God was upon Nehemiah, and the King granted permission.

Leaders plan out of a passion (which is birthed in prayer), have a clear end in mind, and plan with clarity and with confidence.

Questions to discuss as a family today

1. What is your passion? As an individual? As a family?

2. If someone offered to resource your passion plan, would you be able to articulate the needs to accomplish the end goal? What would those specific needs be?

3. Do you know the Bible well enough that it gives you confidence to plan as a leader? In your marriage? In your parenting? With your friends? In your job?

4. Do you have a family mission statement? Why or why not? A good place to start might be…The ___________ family is committed to making disciples to those Nearest, their Neighbors, and the Nations. Seek the Lord’s guidance as to what defines you as a family.

Prayer

Begin your prayer time by remembering who God is and who you are. Ask Him to give you a passion that will give you Kingdom purpose (as an individual or as a family). Seek His wisdom for the end goal and the specifics needed to make that goal a reality. Ask HIm for favor with people and circumstances so that the name of Jesus is made famous through His plan in your life. Thank Him for His promises that give you assurance to plan and move forward with confidence.

Remember…Chislev to Nisan was about 4 months. This process may take some time, but commit it to prayer, fasting, and thinking. He will give you a passion for His work!