June 1, 2020
Adrian Rogers
Scripture Passage: Nehemiah 1:1-3
God wants us to see our problems as possibilities, and our adversaries as opportunities. Whether we, as individuals or as a church, are trying to turn a problem into a possibility, the Book of Nehemiah shows us that God has wonderful plans for us.
There are three basic steps we must take in order to do anything glorious in the name of Jesus.
Nehemiah received the news of the city of Jerusalem’s fallen walls. Walls in the Bible had a symbolic meaning. They spoke of glory, salvation, and the protection of God over his people; and these walls had fallen. These walls are also symbolic to us. We, too, are called to rebuild walls that have fallen: walls of national security, of the family, of decency, of our educational system, and of doctrine.
In Nehemiah 1:4, Nehemiah prayed a prayer of contrition. He wept over the condition of the city. Adrian Rogers says, “Society has forgotten how to blush, and the church has forgotten how to weep.”
When God began to move in Nehemiah’s heart, Nehemiah asked for the king’s permission to return to his homeland, as well as for protection and provision to rebuild.
We, as a church or as individuals, must be bold to ask the King of kings for permission, protection, and provision as we rebuild the walls of our conviction. It’s only then we will turn our problems into possibilities.
Visualize until God gives you a burden; agonize until you know that you've confessed your sins and made a commitment; then organize and get to work. Ask God for His permission, provision, and protection.
