Stop and Pray

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“Then I prayed to the God of heaven …” Nehemiah 2:4b (NIV)

Have you had them? Difficult days. Have you lived days that faded one into another?  Have you ever prayed, prayed, and prayed with no results and wondered “What have I done wrong? “

I would love to tell you that as I followed Nehemiah’s  prescription for prayer, (Stop and Pray) my son’s educational struggles miraculously went away.  And that as I prayed every obstacles he faced, physically and emotionally, were healed.

Yes, that is would I would love to say but I can’t. They didn’t disappear. They were healed.

I prayed and the difficult days continued.

Ten years later, we still face the same issues. However after ten years of praying  I am educated in the best ways to help him. Prayer has connected my heart to God creating an intimacy with God I otherwise would not have known. This intimacy given me discernment in making decisions that are wise and good for my son. Sometimes prayer changes us not our circumstances.

Other nations surrounded Jerusalem in effort to intimidate the rebuilding of the wall. Stirring of trouble arose among the Israelites as the threats discouraged their progress.  Nehemiah faced personal attacks. The intimidation, threats, and personal attack had no effect on Nehemiah. His response was always the same: “I prayed.”

Nehemiah’s prayers weren’t full of big words. They weren’t long dissertations.  He didn’t stop and run to his prayer closet. He simply stopped and prayed then went back to work. He did it so long and so often that it became second nature.

What is our take away? No matter what comes our way stop and pray. In word— SAP. Pray this way until it becomes second nature.

No matter what the obstacle

7 Comments

  1. I really needed this confirmation and discipline this morning. I had a rough time starting a golf round and instead of relaxing into the game I let everything annoy me to the point of saying ugly words. Even though this was just with my husband I was so frustrated with myself for letting my problems get to the point of setting myself up for a real attitude. Satan really knows my weakness. (LOL) It took nine holes for me start whispering a few prayers to help me get my attitude under control. I played much better on the back nine. Well, when I started my quite time this morning beginning with your reading, I knew that I had found my discipline. The Lord is so good. He is so good all the time. I don’t like being disciplined. I don’t know many people that do. I’m 57 years old I should know better (right?) Well, SAP is just the reminder I needed. I know it doesn’t mean changes will always happen immediately but sometimes they do. Which is usually changing you and the attitude in which you approach the problem.
    Anyway, I really needed the reminding this morning that even though I am older now I still have to be disciplined. The discipline was in the way I used my words because I was mad at myself. SAP = energy and vitality I like that. It will certainly work for me.
    Blessings to you today
    judy

  3. Thanks Wendy, this is such a powerful reminder to me. Most times am led by my emotions, and thus end up with many regrets. I pray SAP takes root in my life. Be blessed.

  4. Perfectly timed for an email I received last night. I prayed, but this gave me confirmation of what God would do in my midst. Just call me Nehemiah! Ha!

  5. Thank you so much for this devotion. It fits me to a T. My oldest is going through what sounds like similar struggles. It is so so discouraging to not find anyone to help and when it seems all prayer is unanswered.

    May I ask what exactly your son is struggling with? Good to know I am not alone in feeling helpless as a mom and like a failure.

  6. God will answer ALL prayers in His way in His time.

    When I was in 4th grade I was diagnosed with epilepsy. I had seizures regularly and was taking medication daily. We prayed and prayed some more for this illness to be healed.
    God never seemed to be answering that prayer.

    I married, had two wonderful children watch them grow, get their drivers license (which I couldn’t do).

    I am now seizure free, have been for 17 years, my daughter works with children how are physically challenged (she watched my challenges). I can now drive.

    God had a plan – all things work for good to those who love the Lord!

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