From Comfort to Calling (Nehemiah 1:1-11; 2:17-18)

I. A burden beyond comfort (Nehemiah 1:1-4)

  1. Nehemiah’s comfort zone
  2. Comfort can numb us (Amos 6:1; Revelations 3:17)
  3. Burden begins with reality (Lamentations 1:1-2; Matthew 23:37)
  4. Holy burdens break status quo (Matthew 9:36; Acts 17:16)

II. A prayer that lifts the burden (Nehemiah 1:5-7)

  1. Prayer begins with God’s greatness (Isaiah 6:3; Psalms 145:3)
  2. Prayer includes confession (Daniel 9:4-5; 1 John 1:9)

III. A plea that clings to God’s promises (Nehemiah 1:8-9)

  1. Pray God’s Word back to Him (Psalms 119:49; John 15:7)
  2. God’s promises give confidence (Hebrews 10:23;Joshua 21:45)
  3. Promises anchor us in storms (2 Corinthians 1:20)

IV. A readiness that steps into action (Nehemiah 1:11)

  1. Prayer prepares for bold action (James 2:17)
  2. Obedience requires leaving comfort (Matthew 16:24; Hebrews 11:8)
  3. Burden-driven faith influences others (Nehemiah 2:18; Acts 4:13)

V. A call that awakens others (Nehemiah 2:17-18)

  1. Burdens move from personal to corporate (Galatians 6:2)
  2. Renewal begins with honesty (Haggai 1:4-5)
  3. A rallying cry awakens the community (Judges 6:34-35; Hebrews 10:24-25)