Nehemiah—One Man Can Make a Difference - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2025

So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven. And I said: “I pray, LORD God of heaven, O great and awesome God, You who keep Your covenant and mercy with those who love You and observe Your commandments.”
Nehemiah 1:4–5

Nehemiah—One Man Can Make a Difference
The book of Nehemiah is an example of how the Lord brings about revival through one man who can make a difference. But it is not one man leading a protest or even one man taking the initiative. This revival begins with one man on his knees before his God! Every true revival has three characteristics. Prayer, the authority of the Word of God, and a fresh sense of the presence of God!

First, Nehemiah had heard about the condition of things. He was quick to hear and slow to speak (Jas. 1:19). His ears were open! Second, he sat down; he did not try to fix the problem but was willing to be still (Ps. 46:10). Third, he wept for the condition of things among the people of God. He would not be the last to weep over Jerusalem. In Luke 19:41, the Lord Jesus wept over the city as well. Fourth, Nehemiah mourned, identifying with the problem. Then fifth, we see him fasting, a picture of self-denial; it was not business as usual for this man. The sixth thing Nehemiah did was to pray! He cast his concern on the Lord and was dependent on Him. Scripture still reminds us that the fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (Jas. 5:16).

What an example for us today! If the Lord has put a burden on your heart, do not try to escape it or to accomplish it in your own strength! This revival begins with great distress but ends with great joy (8:12, 17). Nehemiah does not lead a revolt through protest; he leads a revival through prayer!

Tim Hadley, Sr.