11 Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favour in the presence of this man.’ I was cupbearer to the king.NIV

Nehemiah had a special assignment:

‘’I was cupbearer to the king.’’

 As previously noted, Nehemiah had an influential role at court.

Warren Wiersbe writes: ‘That Nehemiah, a Jew, held such an important position in the palace speaks well of his character and ability (Dan.1:1-4). For nearly a century, the Jewish remnant had been back in their own land, and Nehemiah could have joined them, but he chose to remain in the palace. It turned out that God had a work for him to do there that he would not have accomplished elsewhere. God put Nehemiah in Susa just as He had put Esther there a generation before, and just as He had put Joseph in Egypt and Daniel in Babylon. When God wants to accomplish a work, He always prepares His workers and puts them in the right place at the right time.’ Old Testament Commentary, p.752.

I read a quote from Oswald Chambers where he was saying, wherever God dumps you down, whether in a slum or a desert or wherever, He has a purpose for you. Wherever you find yourself, pray. You may or may not want to be where you are, but God certainly cannot use you where you are not!

In Persia, Nehemiah had a special assignment.

But in his heart he felt the call to another special assignment. It would take him back to Jerusalem, and an appointment with destiny.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord that I am not where I am by accident. Help me, here in this place, to pray to you, and see what assignment you have for me. As you led Nehemiah centuries ago, I pray you will lead me today.