The Prayer and the Chain Saw
I respect my Aunt Gladys’s intrepid spirit, even if that very
spirit concerns me sometimes. The source of my concern came in the form
of news she shared in an email: “I cut down a walnut tree yesterday.”
You must understand that my chainsaw-wielding aunt is seventy-six years old! The tree had grown up behind her garage. When the roots threatened to burst through the concrete, she knew it had to go. But she did tell us, “I always pray before I tackle a job like that.”
While serving as butler to the king of Persia during the time of Israel’s exile, Nehemiah heard news concerning the people who had returned to Jerusalem. Some work needed to be done. “The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire” (Nehemiah 1:3). The broken walls left them vulnerable to attack by enemies. Nehemiah had compassion for his people and wanted to get involved. But prayer came first, especially since a new king had written a letter to stop the building efforts in Jerusalem (see Ezra 4). Nehemiah prayed for his people (Nehemiah 1:5–10), and then asked God for help before requesting permission from the king to leave (v. 11).
Is prayer your response? It’s always the best way to face any task or trial in life.
You must understand that my chainsaw-wielding aunt is seventy-six years old! The tree had grown up behind her garage. When the roots threatened to burst through the concrete, she knew it had to go. But she did tell us, “I always pray before I tackle a job like that.”
While serving as butler to the king of Persia during the time of Israel’s exile, Nehemiah heard news concerning the people who had returned to Jerusalem. Some work needed to be done. “The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire” (Nehemiah 1:3). The broken walls left them vulnerable to attack by enemies. Nehemiah had compassion for his people and wanted to get involved. But prayer came first, especially since a new king had written a letter to stop the building efforts in Jerusalem (see Ezra 4). Nehemiah prayed for his people (Nehemiah 1:5–10), and then asked God for help before requesting permission from the king to leave (v. 11).
Is prayer your response? It’s always the best way to face any task or trial in life.
Father, Your Holy Spirit reminds us to pray first. Today, we commit to doing so as Your Spirit prompts us.
Very impressive story about his grandma! I though my grandma had gumption. Luckily, my default is to pray which has gotten me through so many trying times as well just every day life. Tho when I find myself praying during a movie for a character who is in some sort of trouble, I do have to laugh! Thank you, God, for always being willing to listen, comfort and guide.
ReplyDeleteHah! This reminds me of my mom - she is never afraid to tackle a difficult task. And she is one of the greatest prayer warriors I know!
ReplyDelete"Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant." Nehemiah 1:1. Prayer is so important, but it's so interesting that we sometimes forget to do the most important part before tackling something large. Our God is amazing and he's always here, it's amazing how hard it can be sometimes to actually pray first before making a large decision. My mom is such a prayer warrior I always look to her as a wonderful example of someone who consults the Lord with absolutely every single decision, which is how I strive to live my life. Thank you for sharing
ReplyDeleteI have a chainsaw too and I'm not afraid to use it! It is heavier than it used to be. It must be gaining weight.
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