YOUR STORY

Every so often, God loves to step into the ordinary moments of our lives to do something totally extraordinary. Sometimes we don’t even realise the significance of the occasion. It’s only when looking back, we see the turning point where everything changed. Maybe you met someone for the first time and they are now a permanent part of your life? Or you had a conversation which led to a series of events which literally altered the course of history!

As Nehemiah writes, he cites such an event. His words begin "Now it happened.” At first glance we could be forgiven for taking little notice of such a basic introduction. The New International Version of the Bible doesn’t even translate it. Yet, “Now it happened" (NASB) is actually so loaded with meaning. It can be translated "…and it came to pass." It’s like the narrator is saying “At the timing of God’s choosing, this set of circumstances unfolded, guided by his divine hand.” The verb used here in Hebrew, (from the root hayah), has a dynamic sense about it, of God’s unfinished business. It hints, intimately connecting with the next verb “while I was” associating Nehemiah with God’s unfulfilled wishes. The intention of this sentence is no accident. This was not just an ordinary day in the life of Nehemiah. God was at work, instigating the situation. It was coming about because God was intending particular people to cross paths at the timing of his choosing.

“The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. Now it happened in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Susa the citadel, that Hanani, one of my brothers, came with certain men from Judah. And I asked them concerning the Jews who escaped, who had survived the exile, and concerning Jerusalem.” (Nehemiah 1:1-2).

From heaven’s point of view, this is not a coincidental meeting. It’s a divine appointment, where God causes a meeting of like-minded characters who are carrying a burden for his will to be fulfilled in their time. In their own unique way, their burdens come together and as iron sharpens iron, both parties leave strengthened. As their time together ends, they part having become awakened to the purposes of God.

You see, God causes circumstances and situations that stir us to rise to the present challenge. It's God’s moment of opportunity for us, to start a journey of faith steps. It's like God is presenting a TV show. He’s the host saying, "Here's an adventure. An opportunity which I gave to Nehemiah, and he took it with both hands." It communicates the beginning of destiny. Sometimes we think that God's will for us is an inevitability, that we don't need to do anything and it’ll just all happen without our input. Whilst it is true that God is always working behind the scenes (and on centre stage!), the moment where we step up should not be underestimated. In times of adversity or opportunity, we have to make the move into the unknown, as we act in partnership with God. 

Often the beginning of an adventure is set in the context of an event, an opportunity, or a challenge that at first look seems utterly impossible. The Jews had been taken captive and the walls which protected Jerusalem had been destroyed. The precious artefacts of the temple had been stolen as plunder and placed alongside carvings of foreign gods. God chose a man who was grieved by the plight of God’s nation and the dishonour brought to the temple. God’s use of this man, Nehemiah would begin to turn things around.

Are you faced with a challenge that God is presenting to you? You can just see the enemy marching all over territory which should be God's? Does your challenge loom as an insurmountable obstacle? He's the Saviour. He can move your mountains, He's mighty to save.  He'll give you wisdom as to how to proceed.

Facing up to the scale of what is before you, is the first of a number of significant steps in the right direction. God will use you as you prayerfully proceed into the unknown. Expect the challenge to be hard and to be outside of what you are used to. You'll have times when you'll want to give up, you'll make mistakes and things may not go as per your plans. Maybe you'll even want to give up. However, God has given you what you need to see through each day. One step at a time. Avoid the temptation of assessing how far you are through to seeing the finished project. Don't give up unless God tells you it’s time. Keep going and you will see things turn around. You'll look back in the years to come with a sense of awe; of how God used you to do something remarkable.

"Now it happened"

What adventure, which looks too big, that can't possibly succeed, is God placing on your heart? 

If you were inspired by this blog, Paul has written some devotional books and resources for young people. They are available to purchase on Amazon. Paul studied at Moorlands College for his BA in Applied Theology, and more recently has earned an MA in The Bible and Ministry in the Contemporary world at Belfast Bible College. Paul has served as a Youth Pastor for over 20 years.

Photo of open door by Jan Tinneberg on Unsplash