Success Lessons in Nehemiah: Part 1
Life Applications and Lessons
The book of Nehemiah is filled with so many success lessons for us to use in our businesses, relationships, and personal lives. It has been one of my go to books of the Bible for advice and encouragement.
We will break this study into smaller parts over a few weeks. Let’s take a look at the success lessons and principles in Nehemiah part 1.
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Overview of the History
The Israelites had been in Babylonian exile for about 70 years when Nehemiah got word about the condition of Jerusalem. It saddened him to know that the city was in such ruins.
Nehemiah began fasting, praying, and confessing. He asked the Lord for success with the king so he could start rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem.
Success Lessons
Nehemiah 1:6
“…let Your eyes be open and Your ears be attentive to hear Your servant’s prayer that I now pray to you day and night for Your servants, the Israelites. I confess the sins we have committed against You. Both I and my father’s family have sinned.” Nehemiah 1:6
- Even though the people from previous generations caused them to be in exile because of their sin, Nehemiah knew that he and his generation weren’t innocent.
- We all sin and play a part in our consequences.
- When we face consequences in our personal life or in our business endeavors, we cannot make excuses. We need to confess any wrongdoings, pray about it, and take action to change.
Nehemiah 1:11
“Please, Lord, let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant and to that of Your servants who delight to revere Your name. Give Your servant success today, and grant him compassion in the presence of this man.” Nehemiah 1:11
- Nehemiah was going to approach King Artaxerxes and ask to go back to Jerusalem. This was a risky move.
- As the king’s cupbearer, he had an important role in the kingdom. He would be asking for a leave of absence.
- You couldn’t just approach the king any time you wanted. There was always a risk involved in that.
- Just like Esther fasted, Nehemiah prayed to the Lord for success with the king for the sake of the nation. He knew that the source of success lied in the hands of the Lord.
- In everything that we do, whether that be business, relationships, or personal life, we need to consult the Lord and take all of our issues to Him. Let Him be the Guide!
Nehemiah 2:1-3
“During the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was set before him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had never been sad in his presence, so the king said to me, ‘Why do you look so sad, when you aren’t sick? This is nothing but sadness of heart.’
I was overwhelmed with fear and replied to the king, ‘May the king live forever! Why should I not be sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins and its gates have been destroyed by fire?’” Nehemiah 2:1-3
- It was obvious that Nehemiah didn’t go around looking sad all of the time. Although he was in exile, he had a good attitude instead of one of doom and gloom. Now that he was truly sad, the king noticed.
- Nehemiah was fearful to tell the king what was going on, but he was determined to do it anyway.
- Keep a good attitude and make the best of each situation.
- Be bold when the Lord calls you to do something.
- Do it scared!
Nehemiah 2:4-5
“Then the king asked me, ‘What is your request?’ So I prayed to the God of the heavens and answered the king, ‘If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor with you, send me to Judah and to the city where my ancestors are buried, so that I may rebuild it.’”
Nehemiah 2:4-5
- This was a quick prayer while he was in conversation with the king. He didn’t pause the conversation to go to a prayer closet and pray for advice.
- When things come up throughout the day, pray about them before making a decision or saying something you shouldn’t.
- As Jay says, “Throw up a Nehemiah prayer.”
Nehemiah 2:8-20
Verse 8
“‘And let me have a letter written to Asaph, keeper of the king’s forest, so that he will give me timber to rebuild the gates of the temple’s fortress, the city wall, and the home where I will live.’ The king granted my requests, for the gracious hand of my God was on me.”
Nehemiah 2:8
- Favor with God results in favor with man.
Verse 12
“I got up at night and took a few men with me. I didn’t tell anyone what my God had laid on my heart to do for Jerusalem…” Nehemiah 2:12
- Sometimes you need to share your vision for accountability and support, and other times you need to wait and keep it to yourself.
Verses 13-16
“I went out at night through the Valley Gate toward the Serpent’s Well and the Dung Gate, and I inspected the walls of Jerusalem that had been broken down and its gates that had been destroyed by fire. I went on to the Fountain Gate and the King’s Pool, but farther down it became too narrow for my animal to go through. So I went up at night by way of the valley and inspected the wall. Then heading back, I entered through the Valley Gate and returned. The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, for I had not yet told the Jews, priests, nobles, officials, or the rest of those who would be doing the work.”
Nehemiah 2:13-16
- Nehemiah inspected the city first to get a first-hand look at it. He wanted to know what they would be dealing with before sharing his vision with the people.
- It is always best to see what you are up against yourself rather than taking someone else’s word.
- When the Lord gives you a vision, explore it and do a little research, but don’t get stuck there. Know that you will need to take action.
Verse 19
“When Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard about this, they mocked and despised us, and said, ‘What is this you’re doing? Are you rebelling against the king?’” Nehemiah 2:19
- When you start fulfilling your God-given purpose or vision, there will be mockers and opposition. Expect it!
- Don’t let the opposition stop you! Let it fuel you!
Verse 20
“I gave them this reply, ‘The God of the heavens is the One who will grant us success. We, His servants, will start building, but you have no share, right, or historic claim in Jerusalem.” Nehemiah 2:20
- He didn’t try to argue with them or get into a conversation with them. He just gave them the facts.
- The Lord is always the Source of our success!
- Stay in communication with Him, and always give Him the credit for your wins.
The book of Nehemiah is filled with all kinds of lessons on productivity and success principles. Join us next week as we take a look at chapters 3 and 4. If you get a chance to read the book of Nehemiah, I would love to hear the thoughts the Lord lays on your heart.
Please join us as we read the Word each week and share more faith, family and food ideas.
Success Lessons Resources
These are a few of my favorite Bible study resources.
Fun Gift Idea
If you have joined me recently, these daily life applications from the Bible are examples of some of the comments I am writing in the Bibles I am giving to my grandchildren when they graduate from high school. Click here to see the post where I explain this eternal gift idea. I want to give them all the resources I can to use in today’s world!
Related Posts
1 – Life Applications and Lessons from Ruth Chapter 1
2 – Life Applications and Lessons from Ruth Chapter 2
3 – Life Applications and Lessons from Ruth Chapter 3
4 – Life Applications and Lessons from Ruth Chapter 4
I hope these life applications and lessons on success will help you as your seek to fulfill the Lord’s purpose for your life.
Please share any encouragement and lessons you have learned this week as you read the Word of God. I would love to hear your thoughts.
Until next week…
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“From one Man He has made every nationality to live over the whole earth and has determined their appointed times and the boundaries of where they live.” Acts 17:26
(New Testament)
Susan, Nehemiah holds so many lessons for us to learn and apply to our own lives. He was a man of faith, a man of action, and a man who knew how to gather the people for God’s purposes in unity. I look forward to the coming posts and lessons you will share!
You are so right! I love this book!!!
I have missed this series so much while on holiday break, Susan, and I can’t wait to dive back in. Nehemiah is one of those books that just never gets old no matter what you’re going through or the circumstances you’re facing. So excited to kick off the year with you, CoCo
I am glad to get everything back to normal too. I love Nehemiah also. It is so insightful!!