Day 8: Short-term denial, long-term gain

The story of Nehemiah is a powerful example of the favor that comes with denying ourselves for the purpose of drawing near to God. Nehemiah worked for a powerful pagan king – one that did not worship the God of Israel. When Nehemiah heard how the city walls in his hometown of Jerusalem had been burned and left in ruins, he knew he had to do something about it. The problem was that the king Nehemiah served had issued a decree that Jerusalem not be rebuilt. How would the king ever be convinced to not only change his mind but pay for the wall of Jerusalem to be restored? Nehemiah’s solution was to fast and pray.

He asked God for favor in his situation and denied his stomach to show that his desire and need for God’s help was greater than his desire and need for food.

Nehemiah’s fast and denial paved the way for God to give him favor with a pagan ruler that changed the course of history. You may be facing a situation that is testing your courage and your strength – believe God is going to use this fast to bring His favor into your life.

Our prayer target today is to be ok with short-term denial for long-term gain. In a sense, for us, we’re praying for God’s desire to prevail more than our desires. As we seek God together during this time, let’s believe that God can restore, renew, and reveal his perfect will for us personally and corporately.

Nehemiah 1:3-4 And they said to me, “The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.” As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.

Nehemiah 1:11 Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.