The Lodestar

Influential people use their power to get their way, as do the wealthy, who use their wealth to buy positions and privileges. For example, children from influential families can reach significant bureaucratic positions, and the rich can gain admission to the best institutions, while those with less important status in society, though extremely capable, are left out.

We tend to ascribe power to those visible human agencies and institutions. Still, Christ-followers see a larger power above all powers—the King of Kings, the God of the universe who controls every power on earth.

Though an influential person, moving in the corridors of imperial power, Nehemiah ignores the visible powers but lifts his eyes to the God of heaven.

When he heard the devastating news that the ungodly inhabitants of the land harassed the Jews who had moved from Babylon to make Jerusalem their home, he chose to seek the face of his God, not the Persian king who had the power over the affairs of the city of his fathers (Nehemiah 1:1—3). We read that he “sat down and wept and mourned for days” and “continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven” (Nehemiah 1:4).

When he heard the saddening news, he did not immediately rush to the presence of the king for support or counsel. But he spent “days” with his God, till God turned the heart of the king favourably to Nehemiah.

Then one day, when the king asked him, Nehemiah could open up his mind, and the king granted his desire! Nehemiah illustrates a biblical truth: “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will” (Proverbs 21:1). Sovereign God is compared to an ancient farmer who builds small channels to direct water to plants, controlling the direction of the flow with a small spade.

We are often tempted to use our power—political, wealth, or influence—to get our way. Sometimes, we succeed but end up with things that are not honourable to God. In the process, we bypass God, who does everything in wonderful ways, surpassing human wisdom.

Take a moment to reflect on where you place your trust and who you turn to when faced with challenges. Like Nehemiah, turn your eyes to the God of heaven—who holds all power and wisdom—and commit to seeking his guidance through prayer and fasting. Let go of worldly influences and rely on God’s sovereign hand to direct your path, trusting that he will work marvelously beyond human understanding. Step forward in faith, surrender your struggles to him, and allow his power to accomplish what you cannot.

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