Meaningful Work in Seasons of Transitionಮಾದರಿ

Prayer – Take 30 seconds of silence and stillness. Then, express your desire for God to reveal Himself to you.

Devotional - The Meaningful Work of Preparation

If you read Nehemiah chapter one, you will see some similarities with yesterday’s devotional. We see someone with a deep and honest ache for what can be. Like Isaiah, Nehemiah is also someone who was transformed in a season of transition – shedding tears, asking questions, pleading, and confessing. He literally didn’t put on a happy face and carry on, which was dangerously noticed by his king.

Pause for a moment and review your recent conversations with God. Have you articulated your aches to Him? Are you being transparent before Him?

During Nehemiah’s in-between time, he does all the above and more. In the second chapter of Nehemiah, we see that he had not just been praying, he had also been preparing. He did not slide into despair because he was planning as if God opened the door for him to move forward. When the king asked what he wanted, Nehemiah said:

• Send me to rebuild Jerusalem.
• Give me letters to other kings that will guarantee my safe passage.
• I need all the timbers for lumber and beams for the walls, the gates, and the house I will live in…for free.

Nehemiah got everything he asked for. And on top of all that, he received a royal escort by King Artaxerxes’ army officers and cavalry.

It’s tempting to become passive in times of transition and waiting. Nehemiah demonstrates that he continued to do good work for Artaxerxes and work through all the steps necessary to rebuild Jerusalem. He didn’t waste his in-between season wishing, worrying, or being overwhelmed.

Take some time to begin the work of preparation.

• If God said yes tomorrow to wherever you hope to be and whatever you hope to be doing, are you ready? Have you thought through all the steps in the process? Are your skills sharp? Have you evaluated your strengths, needs, blind spots, and areas for growth? If someone wrote the check, do you know how to use it?

Close in Prayer

God, You have created me and know me. I trust You to guide my steps. Help me to abide in You while I do my work and as I dream about the future. Grant me the ability to think with clarity and ask with great faith. And may Your Spirit empower me to be faithful and work heartily, as for You and not for men, in whatever job I have. Amen.