Praying And Waiting Works

In the medical field, doctors often rely on evidence from successful treatments of past patients to create plans for new ones. Likewise, when we encounter challenges, we can look to the Scriptures (specifically, the Book of Nehemiah) for guidance on the importance of prayer and patience, as it is well documented that those who trust the Lord will not lack.

In our previous devotional, we examined Nehemiah's diligence in seeking God's covering and favor before he met with the king of Persia (Nehemiah 1:11). Nehemiah needed the king’s approval to go to Jerusalem for this monumental undertaking of rebuilding the walls.
Nehemiah 2:1-4a records this unforgettable meeting when it says, “Early the following spring, in the month of Nisan, during the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes’ reign, I was serving the king his wine. I had never before appeared sad in his presence. 2 So the king asked me, ‘Why are you looking so sad? You don’t look sick to me. You must be deeply troubled.’ Then I was terrified, 3 but I replied, ‘Long live the king! How can I not be sad? For the city where my ancestors are buried is in ruins, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.’ 4 The king asked, ‘Well, how can I help you?…’ ”

Notice that the meeting took place approximately four months after the end of Chapter 1. This time-lapse shows that Nehemiah's prayer demonstrated both faith and patience. Perhaps you can relate; you may have been quick to pray about your circumstances, but found yourself needing to be patient as well. Waiting doesn't mean God hasn't heard your plea or that He has rejected your request. See, Nehemiah experienced this, but now the time for the meeting had come, and all those prayers and moments of fasting had paid off! The king's heart was noticeably soft toward Nehemiah, as he was concerned about how Nehemiah appeared and that he looked troubled.

As the king's cupbearer, Nehemiah was a trusted ally to the throne. However, despite his loyalty, the king had boundaries. The Lord removed any potential limitations or obstacles to the king's compassion and assistance, and I believe this is a direct result of Nehemiah's prayers.

Nehemiah expressed his desire to go to Jerusalem to assume the important responsibility of rebuilding the city's damaged walls and gates. The king not only listened but also offered his help! The rest of Chapter 2 reveals that the king provided letters of safe passage and even resources to rebuild Jerusalem's defensive walls.
I still believe that the Lord is listening to our genuine prayers for His blessing. We just need to be willing to pray and wait for Him to work things out. He has the final say and holds the heart of the king—and everything else, for that matter—in the palm of His hand!

Pray and wait on God to work! Remember, the Lord is working while we are waiting.