Man of Opportunity
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success, he feared that some, by acts of indiscretion, might arouse the
jealousy of their enemies and perhaps bring about the defeat of the
undertaking.
His request to the king had been so favorably received that Ne-
hemiah was encouraged to ask for still further assistance. To give
dignity and authority to his mission, as well as to provide protection
on the journey, he asked for and secured a military escort. He obtained
royal letters to the governors of the provinces beyond the Euphrates,
the territory through which he must pass on his way to Judea; and he
obtained, also, a letter to the keeper of the king’s forest in the moun-
tains of Lebanon, directing him to furnish such timber as would be
needed. That there might be no occasion for complaint that he had
exceeded his commission, Nehemiah was careful to have the authority
and privileges accorded him, clearly defined.
This example of wise forethought and resolute action should be a
lesson to all Christians. God’s children are not only to pray in faith,
but to work with diligent and provident care. They encounter many
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difficulties and often hinder the working of Providence in their behalf,
because they regard prudence and painstaking effort as having little
to do with religion. Nehemiah did not regard his duty done when he
had wept and prayed before the Lord. He united his petitions with
holy endeavor, putting forth earnest, prayerful efforts for the success
of the enterprise in which he was engaged. Careful consideration and
well-matured plans are as essential to the carrying forward of sacred
enterprises today as in the time of the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls.
Nehemiah did not depend upon uncertainty. The means that he
lacked he solicited from those who were able to bestow. And the Lord
is still willing to move upon the hearts of those in possession of His
goods, in behalf of the cause of truth. Those who labor for Him are to
avail themselves of the help that He prompts men to give. These gifts
may open ways by which the light of truth shall go to many benighted
lands. The donors may have no faith in Christ, no acquaintance with
His word; but their gifts are not on this account to be refused.
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