2. News of the distress of his brethren stirs Nehemiah’s heart (1:1-4) Love for God and His people will still our hearts as well (Hebrews 6:10; 1 Thess. 1:3; Galatians 5:13; Matt. 9:36-38)

3. Great deeds of faith are often preceded by prayer (Acts 4:31; Luke 22:41-44) Nehemiah’s prayer… Acknowledges God’s power and faithfulness (1:5) Confesses sin (1:6-7; Psalm 32) Appeals to God’s faithfulness (1:8-10) Asks for an opportunity, and is prepared to seize it! (1:11; 2:1-5)

4. Enthusiasm must not prevent preparation and planning (Luke 14:28-30; Proverbs 21:5) Nehemiah counted the cost and planned his work! “Let Your work appear to Your servants, and Your glory to their children. And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands.” (Psalm 90:16-17)