How can we seek God's favor in our plans, as Nehemiah did? The Moment of Favor – Nehemiah 2:8 “And may I have a letter to Asaph the keeper of the king’s forest, so that he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the fortress adjacent to the temple and for the city wall and for the house I will occupy. And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests.” What God’s Favor Looked Like • A pagan king’s heart turned to support God’s work (cf. Proverbs 21:1). • Official letters providing authority and protection. • Resources (timber) freely released for a rebuilding project no earthly ruler cared about. God’s favor is tangible: it arranges circumstances, moves people, and supplies exactly what obedience requires. Steps Nehemiah Took to Seek Favor 1. He aligned with God’s revealed will (Nehemiah 1:8–9) – rebuilding Jerusalem matched God’s covenant promises. 2. He prayed earnestly and repentantly (1:4–11). Favor begins on our knees. 3. He waited for God’s timing (2:1) – four months after hearing the news. 4. He asked boldly (2:4–8) – specific, faith-filled requests. 5. He planned practically (2:7–8) – letters, wood, logistics. 6. He acknowledged God as the source (2:8) – not luck, strategy, or diplomacy. 7. He walked in integrity – a trustworthy servant earns a hearing (cf. Daniel 6:4). Practical Ways We Can Seek God’s Favor in Our Plans • Saturate the plan with Scripture – let God’s Word shape goals (Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 3:5-6). • Confess and forsake sin – unrepentant hearts hinder favor (Psalm 66:18). • Pray specifically and persistently – Jesus commends importunate prayer (Luke 11:9-10). • Align motives with God’s glory, not self-promotion (James 4:3; 1 Corinthians 10:31). • Do diligent preparation – faith is not laziness (Proverbs 21:5; Luke 14:28). • Courageously step through open doors – God often confirms favor as we move (Acts 16:6-10). • Credit God publicly for every success – testimony multiplies favor (Psalm 115:1). Anchoring Ourselves in the Character of God • He delights to bless righteous pursuits (Psalm 5:12). • His favor surrounds like a shield (Psalm 30:5; 90:17). • He opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Seeking favor is not manipulating God; it is positioning ourselves under His already-outstretched hand of grace. Living It Out Today 1. Write your plan. Lay every element before the Lord. 2. Search the Scriptures for promises or principles that speak to it. 3. Fast or set aside time for focused intercession. 4. Identify practical steps that show faith and stewardship. 5. Move forward with humble boldness, watching for Providential fingerprints. 6. When God grants success, tell the story so others recognize “the gracious hand of my God was upon me.” |
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