55-Days Devotional Journey - Day 26
June 26, 2025 (Thursday)

Scripture:
"The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. Now it happened in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Susa the citadel, that Hanani, one of my brothers, came with certain men from Judah. And I asked them concerning the Jews who escaped, who had survived the exile, and concerning Jerusalem. And they said to me, 'The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.' As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven."
Nehemiah 1:1–4 (ESV)

Reflection:
When Nehemiah heard the devastating news about Jerusalem's broken walls and the suffering of God's people, he didn't brush it off. Though he lived comfortably as a royal cupbearer, his heart was deeply burdened for God's mission and people. His response was not casual but immediate, emotional, and prayerful.

He knelt in prayer before Nehemiah ever picked up a stone to rebuild. His tears were the seeds of action. God placed a holy burden on his heart, not just concern but a willingness to be personally involved in restoration.

One of the key ways Nehemiah responded was through fasting. Fasting is a spiritual discipline that expresses dependence on God by temporarily denying ourselves something (often food) to focus more fully on seeking Him. It's not about earning favour but about humbling ourselves, placing God's concerns above our comforts. Fasting clears distractions and intensifies prayer, especially when we carry a burden too heavy for words.

As members of NYCBC, we must ask: do we carry a burden for what burdens God? Does spiritual brokenness grieve us in our city, world, and families? A genuine burden is not just an emotion; it becomes a calling. Like Nehemiah, we are invited to feel and act: to pray, fast, and participate in rebuilding what is broken.

God's mission begins when our hearts are stirred. May we never grow numb or distant. Instead, let us listen, weep, fast, pray, and respond.

Reflection Question:
What breaks your heart when you think about the spiritual condition of our world? How is God calling you, like Nehemiah, to take action for His mission—perhaps beginning with prayer and fasting?

Prayer:
God of heaven, give me a heart that feels what You feel. Let me not be indifferent to the brokenness around me. Like Nehemiah, help me weep, fast, pray, and respond. Burden NYCBC with Your mission. Stir us to seek You with focused hearts, and empower us to rise and build where You call us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

By Pastor Pierre Tang