The Prayer And The Chainsaw

The Prayer And The Chainsaw

Bible: Nehemiah 1

Reading

Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant (V.11).

I respect my Aunt Gladys’ fighting spirit, even if she does worry me sometimes. Her latest surprise came in an email: “I cut down a tree yesterday.”

My chainsaw-wielding aunt is seventy-six years old! The tree had grown up behind her garage. When the roots threatened to burst through the concrete, she knew it had to go. But she did tell us, “I always pray before I tackle a job like that.”

While serving as butler to the king of Persia during Israel’s exile, Nehemiah heard news about his people who had returned to Jerusalem. Some work needed to be done. “The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire” (NEHEMIAH 1:3). The broken walls left them open to attack. Nehemiah worried for his people and wanted to get involved. But prayer came first, especially since another king had written a letter to stop the building efforts in Jerusalem (SEE EZRA 4). Nehemiah prayed for his people (NEHEMIAH 1:5-10), and then asked God for help before talking to the king about going to join the work (V.11).

Is prayer your first reaction when stuff happens? It’s always the best way to face any problem or difficult situation.

MAKE PRAYER YOUR FIRST THOUGHT, INSTEAD OF A LAST RESORT.

Youth Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries