Nehemiah 2: When Doors Open

“…Now I had never been sad in his presence before. Therefore the king said to me, ‘Why is your face sad, since you are not sick? This is nothing but sorrow of heart.’ So I became dreadfully afraid,” Nehemiah 2:1b–2 (NKJV)

I couldn’t get over how God opened the door Nehemiah couldn’t open for himself. He didn’t force it of course, but he didn’t know how to get home!  This conversation with the king came straight out of nowhere…really BUT it didn’t because Nehemiah had been praying and had been fasting. He didn’t know when or how the Lord might provide, but when the time came, he was ready. He was caught off guard, but he was ready.

When life throws us a moment we didn’t expect—a conversation, an opportunity, a question we weren’t planning to answer—suddenly when we find ourselves face-to-face with something we’ve been praying about for months or even years, will we be caught off guard… will we be ready?

When the door you’ve been asking God to open does, how will we choose to respond?

It reminds me of that verse in the New Testament telling us to always be ready to give a reason for the hope we have. Nehemiah was scared It says, but he took advantage of the opportunity he

was given. He didn’t expect the king to notice, but he also didn’t shrink back when the King reached out.  I can’t help but wonder what have I been praying for as of lately or even over the last several years that when God does answers will I be ready?

I experienced this very thing with taking Syrus in, even though I had thought the door had been closed to fostering. When nmy phnone rang and Syrus needed a home, we were ready! Then the phone rang again with Keimani, then Leilani and Cyriana.

I hope I’m always ready. What a great reminder this is for all of us today