My Favorite Bible Story

So I'm sitting here on my couch, having just folded a gigantic pile of brochures about my upcoming missions move to Vienna, and also having just cut out a similarly large pile of commitement cards (I am ashamed to admit, though they were lovingly cut, they may or not be slightly crooked), and I find myself reflecting on what goes into such a big leap of faith in moving to Vienna, as a fully supported missionary.  It's a really hard thing depending on other people to support you, not because I don't trust God, and not because I don't have faith in the wonderful people who God is preparing to partner with me, but because of my own pride.  Letting others into my life in such a personal way feels crazy weird and it's a very strange feeling putting all of the control in your life into someone else's hands. 

However, I find myself reminded of one of my all-time favorite characters from scripture who was strangely enough, in my very position.  Nehemiah.  Poor guy one of the most neglected books in the Bible and yet he was so cool!  It's the ultimate story of a man with a calling who fulfilled it through God.  If you don't know the story it's the story of this man, a cupbearer to the king, who felt a call from God to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem after his people had been living in exhile for 60 years.  Anyways bottom line is he knows that he has this job to do, and he goes about it in the most awesome way.  It's a great lesson in leadership and how to follow God's call. 

So why think of Nehemiah today?  Well because I so often focus on his leadership and accomplishments, but today I found myself remembering how he got started.  He did three things before he left to build the walls of Jerusalem, and they are three things that I too need to do.  First, he covered the decision in prayer, second, he went the king and specifically asked for his needs in order to finance the building of the wall, and third, when he talked with the king he made sure to share what was on his heart openly and honestly - allowing the king to see his passion.  Because of Nehemiah's godly approach to the situation, this king of Persia, who wasn't even a Jew and really had no reason to support this venture, respected Nehemiah and gave him everything that he needed - thereby allowing the work to be done. 

What a lesson to all of us that get a calling and have to follow up on it.  I know God has given me this task.  I'm passionate about it and excited about it :-).  But now I need to follow in Nehemiah's footsteps!  Cover it in prayer, ask specifically for my needs, and trust people enough to show them my passion. 

So that's where I'm at today!  Thanks for all your prayers!