As we move through January many are still thinking about their New Year’s resolutions or goals. Did you ever wonder why you picked those resolutions or goals? Maybe it was losing weight. Maybe it was getting healthier by exercise and diet. Maybe it was getting closer to God by spending time, daily, in prayer and Bible reading. Maybe it was praying for family and friends to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Whatever it was you had your reasons. Read Nehemiah chapter 1 and focus on verses 3 and 4.

3: They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” 4: When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.

Think about his reason. He had a concern about his hometown of Jerusalem. People had told him how the wall was torn down, the gates burned and the people in trouble. Nehemiah was much moved. He wept, mourned, fasted and prayed. A purpose was birthed inside of Nehemiah. Now check out Nehemiah 1:10-11.

10: “They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. 11: Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.” I was cupbearer to the king.

During that time of weeping, mourning, fasting and praying Nehemiah began to develop a plan. But first he was going before the king to ask him for assistance in fixing the problems in Jerusalem.

Do you have an inspired goal? Have you wept, mourned, fasted and prayed? Is there something you know that you need to change? Do you have an ache in your heart for your family, your friends and your hometown? Do you have a burden to see their lives improve for the better? Like Nehemiah, you have an inspired goal. Began to ask God to help you see the plan and ask Him for the things you need to get it done.

Thanks for reading and if you do not have a church join us on Sunday or Wednesday. We meet at the Kenedy Civic Center/Ruhman Franklin Auditorium which is part of City Hall located at 303 W. Main Street in Kenedy.  On Sunday's we begin at 10 a.m. and Wednesday at 7 p.m.