Nehemiah - Expect Opposition

Nehemiah was an Israelite living in the capital city of the Persian Empire where he served as cupbearer to the king. About 170 years earlier, his people had been exiled to this region as a 70-year punishment from God. The Temple in Jerusalem, 800 miles away, had been destroyed and the walls of the city had been torn down. The 50,000 Israelites who returned to the promised land after the exile were vulnerable because the walls had not yet been rebuilt. So God placed a seemingly impossible task on Nehemiah’s heart. A study in leadership.

Where Is It Written?
Read Nehemiah 2:1-10.
It was considered very disrespectfully to appear sad before a Persian King. What was Nehemiah risking in this conversation?
What does Nehemiah do just before he answers the king's question in verse 4?
What does Nehemiah ask for?
Who was disturbed by Nehemiah's plans? Why?

Read Nehemiah 2:11-20.
What did Nehemiah do shortly after arriving in Jerusalem?
Did Nehemiah make his plans known right away? Why?
What false rumor did his opponents spread?

How Goes Your Walk?
What breaks your heart? What is God calling you to do about it?
What opposition are you facing?
What allies are you finding?
Who will you ask to pray with you about it?