In our Focal Scripture, Nehemiah wore a sad countenance in the king’s presence. In the Babylonian empire, anyone who served in the king’s palace was expected to wear a smile, no matter how offended the person was. A servant could be killed in those days for looking sad in the king’s presence. Nehemiah ought to have been afraid to look sad in the king’s presence because it could have led to his execution.
Notice that Nehemiah had just come out of a season of fasting. He had been with God and he was emboldened to face his situation. He had been filled with more of God and he confronted the same issue that was consuming him inwardly. After the fast (see chapter 1), Nehemiah faced the king with his petition. He could have been killed, but he faced the king all the same. He got more of God, and he confronted what could kill him.
Friend, as you get filled with more of God, you will arise and confront the things that have previously tried to consume you. As God baptizes you with His fresh fire, you will rise and thresh the mountains, you will uproot the plantings of the enemy, you will break the chains of the kingdom of darkness, you will destroy the bondage of the enemy around you, you will break forth on all sides, and you will cross lines and boundaries.
Get set: the very things that looked untouchable, you will be the one to touch it. The very things that are unreachable, you will be the one to reach them. The very things that are insurmountable, you will be the one to surmount them. The very heights that seem unattainable, you will be the one to attain it. The very things that no one around you has had the courage to achieve, you will achieve the same in overwhelming proportions.
You belong to that generation that does what others are afraid of. Get filled with more and more of God, step out in faith, and confront whatever wanted to consume you.