Love Nehemiah! 

Starting this verse by verse tomorrow! 

Nehemiah wasn’t a prophet, Nehemiah wasn’t a priest, Nehemiah wasn’t  a builder, he wasn’t even born in Judah and had never been to Jerusalem but God used him in a powerful way to rise up and build. 

He rebuilds the streets and walls of Jerusalem in 52 days. 

I. Nehemiah Asked the Right Question (v. 2)
   
 A. He inquired about Jerusalem's condition

  1. Asked about the remnant that survived  
  2. Showed concern for the holy city  

  B. He sought specific information

   1. Didn't rely on rumors or assumptions  
  2. Went to those who had firsthand knowledge  

II. Nehemiah Felt the Right Emotion (v. 4a)
   
     A. He sat down and wept
       
         1. Showed genuine grief  
         2. Demonstrated deep concern     
   
   B. He mourned for months 

         1. Not a passing emotion  
         2. Sustained burden for God's work  

III. Nehemiah Had the Right Reaction (v. 4b)
   
     A. He fasted

        1. Denied physical needs  
        2. Focused on spiritual priorities  
      
   B. He prayed

        1. Recognized God's sovereignty (v. 5)  
        2. Confessed sin (v. 6-7)  
        3. Claimed God's promises (v. 8-9)  
        4. Made specific requests (v. 11)  

IV. Nehemiah Took the Right Action (v. 11)
   
A. He volunteered to be part of the solution

        1. Made himself available  
        2. Used his position for God's glory  
      
   B. He prepared for service

       1. Continued his daily duties  
       2. Waited for God's timing     

Nehemiah’s burden led to the start of the fulfillment of Daniel’s 70 Weeks prophecy! Both Esther and Daniel also stood in Shushan for such a time as this!