Life is fullest when we take the right risks. We will watch Nehemiah put it all on the line for the vision God had refined through four months of prayer and fasting. We will also note that his prayer time was matched with his diligent planning. If we desire to attempt great things for God we have a brilliant template in Nehemiah Chapter Two.

We struggle making decisions. We struggle to know the wise right path. We struggle

knowing what mission God has called us to partner with Him in this broken world. Nehemiah

demonstrates a profound yet practical way to guide us to our Right Calling.

The book of Nehemiah opens with a report about a desperate situation in the city of Jerusalem. The people are in great trouble and shame and the wall and gates of the city are gone. There is no hope, no plans, no future, and no good in their situation. God, beginning with this report, will do a great work in the city of Jerusalem.

The fuel for the Christian life is Scripture. We are to be people of the book. The Bible is to be read, studied, meditated upon, and memorized. Each of these provide a balanced diet to enduringly run the race that is set before us.

A way our enemy caricatures Christianity is to paint us as fun haters. By no means is this a new tactic but stretches back to the origins of our Faith. The answer is to take a 30,000 feet view of Scripture to see the constant desire God has to be generous and bless His people with joyful celebration.