- Nehemiah 1:4 (NKJV) So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.
If you’re interested in reading some good motivational material I would recommend the book of Nehemiah (found in the Old Testament). Nehemiah was a man of action. Against great odds – both within and without – Nehemiah marshaled the paltry resources of a poor and downtrodden people and led them back to self-respect and nationhood. Bottom line, Nehemiah goes down in the annual of Jewish history as one of their greatest leaders.
Imagine my surprise when I caught today’s verse. Before Nehemiah pulled the trigger; before he girded up his sword and courageously pointed the people forward; before he stared down his vicious and crafty enemies; before he did anything that would be considered “great” he sat down. That’s right this great and mighty leader sat down and wept and mourned for many days. The reason for this was he was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.
Why can’t we learn this? Oh the trouble I would have spared myself (and many others) over the years if only I had first sat down before I leaped…sat down to be still before the Lord and seek His will; to not move from my place until I had His peace.
Remember, sometimes the most courageous thing you can do is sit down.
The ONE THING 