While making a request to be given access to timber, Nehemiah outlined the purpose of the timber he wanted to receive through Asaph, keeper of the King’s forest. Nehemiah’s first priority was to get timber that would be used to make beams for the gate of the temple. His priority was the work of the temple. His priority was to do that which would make God happy. His priority was to place God’s kingdom ahead of his own needs.
Friend, when God gives you access to the resources you so badly desire, would you still be mindful of God? Would you remember to make God your priority when wealth beckons on you? Would you have the wisdom to embrace the work of God’s kingdom as a priority? Would you still remember that God matters more, and should be placed ahead of your own needs? Would you still keep your eyes on God?
Nehemiah had the wisdom to put the house of the Lord first in his request for timber, and he eventually got enough timber to build his own house and also build the walls of the city. He put God first, and he got more than enough to give to his other needs. If you dare to put God first, even the things you desire will come when you least expect it, with ease. When you make God a priority in the use of your resources, you get more than enough resources to deal with your issues.
Don’t let the devil deceive you into believing that you stand to lose anything if you make God your spending priority. Don’t let the devil discourage you from giving to God when you may not have given to yourself. Don’t let the fact that your ‘house’ is in ruins stop you from putting God first. Don’t let today’s challenges cause you to take God down the ladder of your priorities.
Remember, Nehemiah put God in front, and his personal house was also dealt with. Put God in front, and you will find that there is really nothing to lose.
