The God to Whom We Pray Dr. Charles Stanley
What’s your view of the Lord? Do you see Him as the One who can
handle all the challenges you bring before Him? Nehemiah knew God in this way.
Upon hearing about Jerusalem’s destruction, he mourned, fasted, and prayed for
intervention. His supplication (Neh. 1:5-11) offers a glimpse of how he viewed
the Almighty.
First, the Hebrew term Yahwehrefers to One who is
absolute in faithfulness. Next, the title Elohimindicates infinite power
and sovereignty over the universe. Finally, Adonaimeans “ruler over
all.” Nehemiah was bringing his request before the throne with full confidence
in God.
And the Lord answered his prayer in a powerful,
dramatic way. As cupbearer in the palace, Nehemiah tasted food and drink first
to protect King Artaxerxes from possible poisoning. For a servant in this
position, to look sad was very risky (2:1), yet the terrible news disheartened
him.
So the Lord worked a miracle: when the king asked what was
troubling his cupbearer, Nehemiah expressed concern for the Jewish people.
Instead of punishing him, Artaxerxes let him go to rebuild whathad been
destroyed, and even supplied the materials! God handled what seemed like an
overwhelming, impossible burden for Nehemiah, and He can do the same for us.
Having the right view of the Lord will allow us to approach Him
with absolute confidence. And we know that He will hear and answer our prayers
(Ps. 86:7). Remember that He is absolute in faithfulness and infinite in power.
Our heavenly Father is the ruler over all.
Sid Stewart
Executive Director
864 226-6193
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