Although Nehemiah himself was not in trouble, he made himself part of the trouble. We all serve a God who is not indifferent to our pain. Isn't it nice to know that God cares about us? He is our strength, our answer to all of our problems.

2. The passion that consumed him.

We all need to differentiate between a need and a calling. We may see needs, but need to discern if it a call from God for us to get involved to try to solve that need. We see a need and think that it is a calling from God. We are moved emotionally and jump in before God has called us. If it is a need and not a call; we will fail. If it is a calling; doors will open, provisions will be there and we will prevail. Nehemiah did not make his sorrow known to the king for four weeks. He had prayed and fasted for many days. God hears us when we pray. There are too many dry eyes and empty altars. It seems unfashionable to cry today. Revival comes when there is repentance and old fashioned brokenness. When the conviction of the Holy Spirit grips your heart, that is revival. When repentance comes, revival follows. We must wait upon the Lord and renew our strength. Be passionate about the things of God. Passion awakes you in the middle of the night, it will consume your every thought, it will drive you to your knees and it will fill your heart.

3. The plan that constrained him.

Nehemiah laid out a plan and conveyed it to the king. He asked the king for some supplies and a few men and he said he would save the city. He had passion. In the divine moments: we have a part and God has a part. You must pray and then God will hear. It is a symbiotic relationship. You do your part and God will do His.