| Be Compassionate |
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Nehemiah 1:2-4 (GNB)
Hanani, …, arrived from Judah …, and I asked … about Jerusalem... They told me that those who had survived … were in great difficulty and that the foreigners who lived nearby looked down on them. They also told me that the walls of Jerusalem were still broken down and that the gates had not been restored since the time they were burned. When I heard all this, I sat down and wept. For several days I mourned and did not eat. I prayed to God,
Hanani, …, arrived from Judah …, and I asked … about Jerusalem... They told me that those who had survived … were in great difficulty and that the foreigners who lived nearby looked down on them. They also told me that the walls of Jerusalem were still broken down and that the gates had not been restored since the time they were burned. When I heard all this, I sat down and wept. For several days I mourned and did not eat. I prayed to God,
A sign that Nehemiah's compassion for the children of Israel was genuine was reflected in the fact that he inquired about their welfare. He was quite comfortable as it were, but he was still genuinely concerned about the welfare of others. No wonder he reacted the way he did to the news of their state. How do you respond when you hear about the havoc and devastation that the devil is wreaking in the lives of others? How do you respond when you become aware that people are unsaved, are suffering and living their lives far below God's plans and provisions for them?Being genuinely concerned about the welfare of others is a major key for God to use you to do exploits. Real compassion is not only about feeling the pain of others; it is also about being willing to go out of your way to do something to heal that. For several days, Nehemiah sat down, wept and prayed unto God for his people. God has a way of stirring up divine vision in our hearts when we have genuine compassion for others; especially as we express this compassion to Him in prayers.
As God places a vision in your heart, He will cause His favour and provision to be available for you to do exploits through that vision. Despite the challenges Nehemiah faced, after fifty-two days of work, the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt by God's help, Neh. 6:15-16. Be patient and do not be discouraged. There will be challenges on your way to executing divine vision, but you will overcome by God's strength.
PRAYER FOCUS: Pray unto God right now about every condition of others that you feel pained about. Receive grace to do exploits for them.
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