Episode Details

How do you react when you hear devastating news of people suffering?

In this Nehemiah 1 Bible study, Nehemiah receives word that Jerusalem's walls are broken and its gates are burned. He immediately perceives the problem: the city of Jerusalem is at risk of attack, the people may be taken captive, and the Temple destroyed.

Instead of brushing past the pain, he weeps and ponders what should be done. He considers if he, as cupbearer to the king, might do it. Then, rather than rushing into reckless action, he fasts and offers one of the most powerful prayers in Scripture. In the end, Nehemiah decides to answer the call if God opens the door.

In our Nehemiah 1 Bible study, we cover:

• [11:30] Identity and Calling: why Nehemiah only needs 13 words to show he’s qualified for this calling, and how God qualifies us for our unique calling too.
• [16:23] Perception and Passion: why Nehemiah's tears aren’t a moment of weakness. They’re a sign of his passion and the key turning point in the entire story.
• [18:54] Pondering Before Planning: how sitting with hard news, instead of rushing to fix it, can actually be the most productive thing you do, and why it sets Nehemiah up for ultimate success.
• [20:09] Prayer as a First Step, Not a Last Resort: the simple four-part structure Nehemiah uses when praying before he takes action.
• [23:59] Finding Favor: the surprising thread connecting Nehemiah to Noah, Moses, Esther, and Mary.

Nehemiah Show Notes

• Prayer Guide
• Feasts and Festivals Chart
• ACTS Model
• Blog Post 

Group Discussion Questions for Nehemiah 1

1. [17:26] Nehemiah didn't rush past the pain of his people. He paused to feel it and take it to God. When hard news moves your heart, do you tend to shut it out, rush to fix it, or take it to prayer?
2. [20:32] Nehemiah praised, confessed, and gave thanks before asking God for anything. What do you think might change in your heart or perspective if you prayed in that order?
3. [27:13] After perceiving, pondering, and praying, Nehemiah accepts he may be called to help. How can you take time this week to perceive what suffering moves your heart the most, ponder your current role in life (work, home, community), and pray about how God might be calling you to help?

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Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com

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This episode is part of our ongoing Bible Book Club series, starting with Genesis and journeying all the way through the Bible. Than