A Bold Request

Scripture:
Nehemiah 2:1-5, 7-8 - 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, 2 so the king said to me, “Why are you sad, when you aren’t sick? This is nothing but depression.” I was overwhelmed with fear 3 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?”
4 Then the king asked me, “What is your request?” So I prayed to the God of heaven 5 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.”
7 I also said to the king: “If it pleases the king, …..grant me safe passage until I reach Judah. 8 ….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 I was graciously strengthened by my God.

Reflection:
Nehemiah didn’t stop at grieving the broken walls of Jerusalem; he moved forward in faith. The pastor pointed out the immense risk Nehemiah took when he made his request to King Artaxerxes. As a cupbearer, Nehemiah’s role was to serve, not to question or make demands. Yet, when the king noticed his sadness and asked what was wrong, Nehemiah saw it as an opportunity to share his burden and boldly request assistance.
Before answering, Nehemiah prayed—a brief but vital pause to seek God’s wisdom in the moment. His request wasn’t just for permission to leave; it included resources, protection, and provisions. This was a bold and audacious move, but it was rooted in trust that God would provide.
The pastor emphasized that bold requests, whether made to God or others, often mark the turning point in stepping into God’s plans. It’s easy to feel hesitant about asking—whether for resources, help, or clarity—but Nehemiah’s story reminds us that God’s favor is essential for the success of His work. Are there areas in your life where you need to make a bold request? Perhaps it’s a prayer for provision or an ask for support from someone who can partner with you in God’s work.

Application:
Identify an area where you need to make a bold request—whether it’s to God in prayer or to someone who can support you. Take time to pray before making the ask, and trust that God is already working in the hearts of others to fulfill His purposes.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for hearing our bold requests and answering according to Your will. Teach me to trust You fully as I step out in faith. Give me the courage to speak boldly and the wisdom to act according to Your guidance. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Questions for Reflection:
1. What is holding you back from making a bold request to God or others?
2 .How can you trust God to provide the resources or support you need?