I started writing the “Heaven” posts on my previous blog in December of 2011. My goal was to look at every verse in the Bible that used the word Heaven and to bring forth a commentary on the place where God’s throne resides. In the last two years we have made much of Heaven together, dear readers. I have to admit it is not just Heaven I understand a bit better through these meditations but the God of Heaven as well. If you would like to read past “Heaven” posts you can find them under the Heaven page by clicking on the Pastor Wrinkles icon above.
The king asked, “Well, how can I help you?” With a prayer to the God of heaven, I replied, “If it please the king, and if you are pleased with me, your servant, send me to Judah to rebuild the city where my ancestors are buried.” Neh. 2:4,5
As I started writing this morning I did what I usually do. I sat down at my computer looked at the next item on my list to write about and began ploughing into the subject. Then I read this Scripture and had to stop. I realized I was doing things backwards. You see, after my pattern, I make my plans, set them in motion and then I ask God to bless them.
As I read this morning I realized that is not what Nehemiah did. He was burdened with a God idea but when his opportunity came He didn’t just charge ahead in his own strength trying to accomplish the things of God . He first sent out an appeal for blessing from the God of Heaven. It may not have been anything more than a breath prayer but it was enough to cause Him to be cast upon the mercies of God for His future rather than upon his own weak arm of flesh.
It’s a lesson I have learned before and forgotten, apparently. We cannot work first and then pray. We must pray first and then work. This latter method is the key to gaining the Lord’s favor before we launch and therefore His direction and success in the project. The former is a chasing after wind and a sure method of ending up with only scatter shot victory.
Tell me about a time you sought the Lord before a project and He directed you to success.
Lillie-Put 
After praying for direction after losing my job God led me to return to school. I have to admit I have never liked school and I really had to struggle with memorization all through high school. Returning to school at the age of 44 years old is a little intimidating to say the least. I prayed that God would give me the knowledge I needed to succeed in school and that I would retain the information. All my classes were accelerated so that means they move fast through the course, well, God most definitely met my need. I have never had a photographic memory but I have to say when taking my tests it was like the answers just popped off the page at me, now that is all God! My GPA is 3.99 now that is success through God!
Amen! I love it when God undertakes for us!