God's businessman did not forsake his responsibilities, in accomplishing a burden put on him by the Lord. Rather, he used his position and means to further the Lord's aims. After four months of prayer, Nehemiah was serving faithfully in the king's court. Concerning a king's cup bearer, it needs to be understood:

"This officer, in the ancient oriental courts, was a person of rank and importance; and from the confidential nature of his duties and his frequent access to the royal presence, he possessed great influence." Jamieson, Fausset and Brown

Such men were involved in administration, treasury or other governmental duties, equipping them to be available for special assignments for the Lord. Persist in your specific calling - you are there for the Lord's purposes.

Nehemiah 2:1 "... Now I had never been sad in his presence before."

Marked upon the face of Nehemiah, was the concern and burden he felt. Such sadness was not permitted in the royal presence. Whether it was designed to get the king's attention, or accidental, it certainly succeeded so well, that the king's questioning response (Nehemiah 2:2 ) made him "dreadfully afraid." Even the countenance of God's business people, must be under their control when giving a presentation, or when requiring co-operation from someone. It is also necessary in witnessing to and counselling others.

Nehemiah quickly affirmed his loyalty to the king: "May the king live forever!" (Nehemiah 2:3 NKJV). That, even an assassin could say, but there was a sincerity in the decorum of this man of God, that made the king willing to believe him. There should be a conviction about our words, that makes us convincing, because of character that backs them up.

Nehemiah is allowed to continue, and give his explanation.

Nehemiah 2:3 "... Why should my face not be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' tombs, lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire?'"

By replying with a question he avoids becoming defensive. If he had tried to justify himself (as we often attempt to) he would have made things worse. Then the more he attempted to explain the cause of his sorrow, the less credible his story would sound. By answering the king as he did, Nehemiah avoided an unnecessary polarization and preserved the unity of their relationship - - - He is aware of the ancestral reverence which prevailed through the near east. He therefore refers to the desecration of the graves of his forebears. He knows full well that this will arouse the sympathies of the king - - - It should be noted that at no time does Nehemiah mention the name of the city of his fathers. This is not deceit; it is the judicious avoidance of a potentially volatile subject - - - Artaxerxes knows of Nehemiah's ethnic origin; and Nehemiah is wise enough not to prejudice his chances of success by stirring up unfavourable recollections in the mind of the king. Dr Cyril J. Barber - Nehemiah and the Dynamics of Effective Leadership

What a gripping lesson we are given by Nehemiah, in the wise use of questions, and how to approach others and effectively make our requests known. Like him, we need to develop correct decorum, so as to automatically act in the right way, even in emergency.

Nehemiah 2:4 "So I prayed to the God of heaven."

Nehemiah's brief prayer was slipped in between the king's question, "What do you request?", and his answer. God prospered him in answer to his months of prayer, and gave him the opportunity he desired. He steadied himself with a short, silent prayer, so as to obtain all that was required to accomplish his service for God.

Nehemiah succeeded in his presentation, because he practiced his words in prayer to God first, before putting them to man. This shows the advantage God's business people have over others. They have the assistance of God in formulating strategy in the moment of challenge. Spiritual decorum is God first, then man. The Lord has promised us the help we need. Call in the moment of need, He will answer.

Matthew 10:19-20 "But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. "

In his prayerful planning, Nehemiah had prepared himself thoroughly to answer the king's question: "What do you request?" (Nehemiah 2:4 NKJV). He requested that he be commissioned, (Nehemiah 2:5 ) as the building of the wall of Jerusalem had expressly been forbidden a few years earlier, until another commandment was given by the king (Ezra 4:21 ). It was necessary that the work be commanded, and for Nehemiah to be commissioned to do the work.

God's business people make sure that they obtain proper authorisation and full permission before starting on any project. This applies to practical and spiritual work. Work for God needs His commandment and commission.

When the king asked how long it would take, and when he would return, Nehemiah had already estimated the time needed to complete the work.

Nehemiah 2:6 "... So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time."

That Nehemiah allowed himself sufficient time, is borne out by the fact he stayed there 12 years (Nehemiah 5:14 ). God's business people make careful assessments of the time required to accomplish a given task so that they do not get trapped in penalties for not finishing on time.

These letters, to governors beyond the river, and to the keeper of the king's forest (royal preserves), gave Nehemiah authority, supplies and protection. Secure adequate concessions to accomplish the work assigned - ask and you shall receive (Matthew 7:7 ). We too can plan properly and make the right choices, when we open ourselves to having the good hand of the Lord upon us through prayer (Nehemiah 2:8 ).

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Are you faithful and available to the Lord where He has placed you? (Nehemiah 2:1 )
2. Do you think it right, when godly desire fills you, to forsake your responsibilities? (Nehemiah 2:1 ) Are you using your position to further the Lord's aims?
3. Is it a characteristic of God's business people to keep control of their countenances? (Nehemiah 2:1-3 ).
4. Should kingdom people be encouraged to attain their full potential so as to maximise their impact for God?
5. What do you learn from Nehemiah that would help you in difficult and delicate negotiations?
6. Do you believe the best way to steady an answer is to silently pray? (Nehemiah 2:4 ).
7. Can God give you, at the time you need it, the right thing to say? (Matthew 10:19-20 ).
8. When facing an important interview, or decisions, do you prepare by going over the details with the Lord, in prayer? (Nehemiah 1:4; 2:4 ).
9. Desiring to be involved in a new project, do you obtain the necessary authorisation and permission? (Nehemiah 2:5; Ezra 4:21 ).
10. What do you learn from Nehemiah's requests of the king? (Nehemiah 2:6- 9 ).
11. Do you know what to do to open yourself to having the good hand of the Lord upon you? (Nehemiah 2:8 ).