Nehemiah 1:3,4
‘And they said to me, “The remnant there in the province who survived the captivity are in great distress and disgrace, and the wall of Jerusalem is broken down and its gates have been burned with fire.” Now when I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days; and I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.’
Nehemiah inquired how the people of Jerusalem were doing. Todays verses is their response. This hits him strongly. I’m impressed with the care he has for his countrymen. He weeps and mourns for days. Then he begins to fast and pray.
I am convicted by this. I recall hearing a friend speak of her painful situation with her arthritis. I told her I would pray for her. I did and still do when she comes to mind. However, it’s not often and I’m not weeping and praying. I have some concern, but nothing like Nehemiah.
If the person is a believer, I trust in God’s sovereignty. I Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.” An illness isn’t a temptation, but I believe our sufferings fall under the same category. He won’t allow us to go through something that He won’t give us the strength to endure.
While this is true, I do need more compassion. Lord, help me to be more caring and to pray for and minister to those in need.