Who’s In Charge Here?

Nehemiah, a Jewish official in the court of the Persian king Artaxerxes, asked relatives who had visited Jerusalem about the city of their forefathers. The answer devastated him. The Jews who had returned from exile lived in fear of surrounding enemies because the city walls were still in ruins.

Nehemiah wanted to do something about that—but he faced major challenges. First, King Artaxerxes wouldn’t want his official cupbearer—the man who tested his wine for poison—to take an extended leave. Worse, Artaxerxes might think that Nehemiah planned to incite a rebellion against his rule. Nehemiah’s most careful diplomacy might end in a denial of his request—possibly even prison or death.

Nehemiah fasted and prayed for days. When he presented his appeal to the king, Artaxerxes willingly agreed to Nehemiah’s requests for time off and building materials. The king even sent army officers and cavalry with him for protection!

Many times, as caregivers, we work with agencies and authorities who intimidate us and appear above our scope of influence. But God loves our loved ones even more than we do— and when we ask for help on their behalf, He’ll listen and act.