WHEN YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO. . .

NEHEMIAH 1:1-4a

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. PRAY TO GOD  [James 1:5]

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

 

1. Nehemiah Prayed during Sorrow [1:4-6]

 

2. Daniel Prayed during Danger [Dan. 2:14-18]

Then Daniel answered with counsel and wisdom to Arioch the captain of the king's guard, which was gone forth to slay the wise men of Babylon: He answered and said to Arioch the king's captain, Why is the decree so hasty from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel. Then Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would give him time, and that he would show the king the interpretation. Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions: That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.

 

3. The Early Church Prayed for Others [Acts 12:1-5]

Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

 

 II. STUDY GOD’S WORD [Neh. 1:7-9]

 

1. To Be Divinely Approved [2 Tm. 2:14-16]

Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

 

2. To Be Thoroughly Furnished [2 Tm. 3:15-17]

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

 

3. To Victoriously Face Temptation [Ps. 119:9-12]

Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes.

 

III. TRUST AND OBEY [Neh. 1:10-11]

 

1. Trust with All Thine Heart [Prov. 3:5]

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

 

2. Acknowledge in all Thy Ways [Prov. 3:6]

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

 

3. Humbly Accept His Way [Prov. 3:7] (allow God the privilege of knowing more than you)

Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.