The Hand of God Upon Those Who Seek Him
Pastors Rodney & Adonica Howard-BrownePublish date: 11/15/2026
The Hand of God Upon Those Who Seek Him
Foundation Scriptures:
Nehemiah 1:1–11 KJV
1. Nehemiah.
a. Nehemiah was a Jew and the king’s cupbearer; a position of great responsibility and great privilege.
b. To have been given such an important position speaks to his character and ability.
c. Because he had access to the king, he was in a position of great influence, which could be used for good or for evil.
d. The Lord placed Nehemiah in this position, just as He had placed Esther and Daniel in Babylon, and Joseph in Egypt.
e. When the Lord wants to accomplish something, He always prepares those He uses and places them in the right place at the right time.
f. When God activates a calling in a person’s life, it is not always sparked out of something big and dramatic.
g. It could be something simple—a chance encounter; or something unexpected.
h. Nehemiah was minding his own business, until the conversation with Hanani sparked a quest to rebuild Jerusalem.
2. Nehemiah Had a Heart for God and His People.
a. Nehemiah 1:1-3
b. Nehemiah was living comfortably in the king’s palace, yet the Lord laid a burden on his heart.
c. When he heard that Jerusalem’s walls were broken down and its people were in great affliction, he was deeply moved.
d. He cared about God’s people, God’s purposes, and the honor of God’s name.
e. Philippians 2:21 AMPC –– For the others all seek [to advance] their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ (the Messiah).
f. We must never become so occupied with our own lives that we neglect God’s Kingdom and His purposes.
g. Nehemiah 1:4 KJV –– And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven.
h. The things that make people laugh or weep are an indication of their character; or lack thereof.
i. People who laugh at the mistakes or misfortunes of others, and yet cry over their own trivial disappointments, are lacking in character and empathy.
j. Weeping can be a sign of strength, as we see in the case of Nehemiah.
k. Romans 12:15 KJV –– Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
3. Nehemiah’s First Response Was Prayer.
a. Nehemiah did not complain, criticize, or blame others; he prayed.
b. He understood that the situation required God’s intervention.
c. Prayer was not his last resort; it was his first response.
d. Before approaching the earthly king, he approached the heavenly King.
e. Nehemiah 1:5 KJV –– And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:
f. God is a covenant-keeping God; and although Israel had been unfaithful, God remained faithful to His Word.
g. God is faithful and keeps covenant and mercy with those who love Him and keep His commandments (Deut. 7:9).
h. Our confidence must be in God’s character and His promises, not in our circumstances.
i. Nehemiah 1:6-7
j. Nehemiah humbled himself before God and interceded on behalf of Israel.
k. Restoration requires repentance and a return to God’s Word.
l. 2 Chronicles 7:14
m. Humility and obedience position us to receive God’s help.
4. Nehemiah Prayed According to God’s Promises.
a. Nehemiah 1:8-9
b. Nehemiah reminded God of His promise that He would restore His people if they returned to Him and obeyed His commandments.
c. Isaiah 43:26 KJV –– Put me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified.
d. 1 John 5:14-15 KJV –– And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
e. Faith-filled prayer stands upon God’s Word, expecting Him to fulfill His promises.
5. Nehemiah Asked God for Favor and Success.
a. Nehemiah 1:11 KJV –– O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant … and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.
b. Nehemiah needed favor with the king to accomplish God’s purposes.
c. He recognized that his position and influence were not enough; he needed God’s hand upon him.
d. He prayed for success, but he was also willing to become part of the answer.
e. Nehemiah 2:8 KJV –– And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.
f. God answered Nehemiah’s prayer and gave him favor, provision, and the opportunity to rebuild.
g. When we seek God first and obey His direction, we can trust Him to provide what is necessary to accomplish His will.
6. One Person Can Make a Difference.
a. God uses those who have a heart for His purposes, humble themselves, seek His face, stand upon His Word, and obey His direction.
b. Nehemiah’s story began with a burden, continued in prayer, and resulted in action.
c. God used one obedient man to inspire an entire nation to rebuild.
d. Nehemiah 6:15: The wall was completed in just 52 days.
e. Nehemiah 6:16: Even their enemies recognized that the work had been accomplished by God.
f. Nehemiah teaches us to:
- Put God’s purposes above our own.
- Make prayer our first response.
- Trust God’s faithfulness.
- Walk in humility and obedience.
- Stand upon the promises of His Word.
- Seek His favor and follow His direction.
g. The work began with a man on his knees and was accomplished by the good hand of God upon him.
h. Zechariah 4:6 KJV –– Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.