My math teacher in high school liked to give tests on December 7. As he handed out thick packets of problems he gleefully exclaimed, today is Pearl Harbor Day, and here is my attack! The man needed a life.

Today is the 80th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The devastation caused by the bombing shocked the US and the world. Most of the US Pacific fleet lay peacefully at anchor, unprepared for the assault at hand, and this lack of preparation proved indispensable in the success of the raid.

Nehemiah, on the other hand, prepared well. Distraught at the vulnerable nature of Jerusalem, and helpless to resolve the problem, Nehemiah sought the Lord as he developed a plan. As cupbearer to the king, Nehemiah had access to the most powerful person in the world at that time. Perhaps the right words might sway the ruler.

First, Nehemiah showed his sadness in the king’s presence—true emotional vulnerability—as the king banished servants for upsetting him. But this king appreciated Nehemiah, and asked what troubled him.

Nehemiah shared his sorrow and the king responded, What do you want? After a deep breath and a brief prayer, Nehemiah revealed his big idea—If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.

Nehemiah followed with detailed plans for ways the king could provide the materials and finances for rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Agreeing to all, the king even threw in a cavalry detachment and army officers to protect Nehemiah during the massive undertaking.

Had Nehemiah responded to the king’s question with, I’m not sure, let me get back with you, I suspect that our Bibles would be a few pages shorter. A lack of decisiveness in the presence of the king meant failure. Perhaps someone else might have rebuilt the walls, but not Nehemiah.

What plans or ideas are rolling around in your head? We never know when the circumstances align for us to act—it pays to prepare.

Nehemiah 2 in week forty-nine of reading the Bible cover to cover

Photo by Michał Parzuchowski