The Midnight Ride

Nehemiah 2:11-20

May 08, 2026

We plan to attend two weddings this summer. What makes each wedding unique for us? We were privileged to guide each couple through premarital counseling. We have used the Prepare/Enrich survey for over 25 years, and its results have been so helpful in guiding couples to identify their strengths and areas for growth.

One important category we discuss is wedding planning. It is very stressful to think through all the planning, organization, and details. It requires vision, oversight, and execution. It is necessary to see the big picture and then determine how to move forward with bringing the event or project to fruition.

Over the past few months, I have focused on the book of Nehemiah during my quiet time. Nehemiah was a gifted man, obedient to the Lord’s call on his life. I have noted the following qualities in Nehemiah’s life:

Worshiper of the One True God of Israel
Man of Prayer
Servant of God

Nehemiah was a visionary with strong administrative skills. The Lord had gifted him and called him to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Yet Nehemiah did not undertake this monumental task alone; he turned to the Lord in fervent prayer and days of fasting. (See Nehemiah 1:4). Nehemiah recognized that unless the Lord directed his steps, the mission would fail.

So, I went to Jerusalem and was there three days. Then I arose in the night, I and a few men with me. And I told no one what my God had put into my heart to do for Jerusalem. There was no animal with me but the one on which I rode.
- Nehemiah 2:11-12

After the long journey from Susa to Jerusalem, Nehemiah rested for three days. He then planned a midnight site visit and selected a small group of trusted men to accompany him. Only Nehemiah rode a donkey as the men set out to carefully inspect Jerusalem’s fallen walls.

Nehemiah provides these details, but I love the sentence that appears in the middle of verses 11 and 12. “I told no one what my God had put into my heart to do for Jerusalem.” This was not happenstance.

Nehemiah knew he was in Jerusalem to complete God’s special assignment. The Lord chose Nehemiah, a gifted administrator, to oversee and direct this important project. The role was high-pressure and required long hours each day. It would be necessary to balance careful planning and organization with informational meetings for leaders, encouraging words for workers, and site visits to assess progress.

You may already sense the Lord’s leading toward a new assignment or a specific ministry opportunity. Or you may have a heart’s desire to serve in a different role or capacity. Perhaps you are waiting for the door to open. Here are some thoughts to guide you as you wait for the Lord’s guidance and direction.

Head to Heart

First question: Have you ever wondered what your spiritual gifts are? When a person receives Jesus as their personal Savior, the Holy Spirit indwells them, and God sovereignly and graciously endows the new believer with spiritual gifts.

Additional questions: What meaningful activities bring you great joy, a sense of purpose, and fulfillment? Do you regularly engage in activities that align with your heart’s passion?

The Lord wants to bring together our spiritual gifts, abilities, and passions so that we can serve others and bring Him glory.

Would you consider spending time in prayer each day over the next 1-2 weeks, asking the Lord to clarify your gifts, abilities, and heart’s passion? You may want to follow Nehemiah’s example by going for a walk as you voice your desire to follow the Lord’s leading.