Going Forward on Your Knees ∙∙
I will go before you and make the rough places smooth. I will smash down the gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. – Isaiah 45:2
Nehemiah 1:3-11:
“Things are not going well for those who returned to the province of Judah. They are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem has been torn down, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.”
“When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days, I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven. Then I said, O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of unfailing love with those who love him and obey his commands, listen to my prayer! Look down and see me praying night and day for your people, Israel. I confess that we have sinned against you. Yes, even my own family and I have sinned! We have sinned terribly by not obeying the commands, decrees, and regulations that you gave us through your servant Moses.”
“Please remember what you told your servant Moses: If you are unfaithful to me, I will scatter you among the nations. But if you return to me and obey my commands and live by them, then even if you are exiled to the ends of the earth, I will bring you back to the place I have chosen for my name to be honored. The people you rescued by your great power and strong hand are your servants.”
“O Lord, please hear my prayer! Listen to the prayers of those of us who delight in honoring you. Please grant me success today by making the king favorable to me. Put it into his heart to be kind to me.”
Moving Forward on Your Knees: The Legacy of Hudson Taylor
The story of Hudson Taylor, as shared in Going Forward on Your Knees, continues to inspire generations of children of the King. Taylor, an early missionary to China, faced numerous challenges, including poor health, financial struggles, and language barriers, yet he successfully established the China Inland Mission. His life and writings serve as a testament to the power of faith and perseverance.
The book’s title originates from Taylor’s advice to fellow missionary Jonathan Goforth. Taylor encouraged him by telling him that to succeed in China, he had to “go forward on your knees.” This impactful statement underscores the vital role of prayer in a believer’s life.
The Power and Purpose of Prayer
The book emphasizes the significance of prayer as a way to connect with the Father’s will. Prayer is not a passive act but an active collaboration with God. The Father is always at work, and through prayer, children of the King are encouraged to participate in His divine plans.
When children of the King “Seek God’s Face,” they are granted the privilege of understanding His will and praying it into existence. As Ray Prichard notes, “Maybe one of the reasons the church is not moving forward today is because it’s not in a position to go forward, we are not on our knees in prayer.”
In a period when America appears to be disintegrating, the solution to the turmoil lies in prayer. It is solely through prayer that the Father discloses His intentions to each of His children, readying them to respond according to His plan.
Nehemiah: A Model of Prayerful Leadership
Nehemiah provides a powerful example of moving forward on one’s knees. When he heard the devastating news about Jerusalem’s broken walls and gates, Nehemiah immediately turned to prayer. He sought the Father’s guidance, fully confident that God wanted Jerusalem to be restored and protected.
Nehemiah’s prayer was not vague or general; it was specific and heartfelt. He started by confessing his sins and those of his people, recognizing their failure to obey God’s commands. He then reminded God of His covenant promises to Israel, demonstrating his deep understanding of God’s Word.
Finally, Nehemiah prayed for a particular outcome: that the Father would touch the king’s heart so that he would grant Nehemiah favor. As the king’s cupbearer, Nehemiah held a position of significant influence and trust. His role was similar to that of a personal security agent, tasting the king’s wine to ensure it was safe. This unique position gave Nehemiah regular access to the king, but he knew only God could soften the king’s heart and provide the resources needed to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls.
Nehemiah 1:11: “O Lord, please hear my prayer! Listen to the prayers of those of us who delight in honoring you. Please grant me success today by making the king favorable to me. Put it into his heart to be kind to me.”
Nehemiah’s prayer demonstrates the power of seeking God’s will and trusting Him to work through human circumstances to fulfill His divine plans.
The Slender Nerve That Moves Omnipotence
As Charles Spurgeon so eloquently stated, “Prayer is that slender nerve that moves the muscles of omnipotence.” Prayer is not just a ritual or last resort; it is how children of the King connect with God’s power to fulfill His will on earth.
REFLECT & PRAY
In difficult and uncertain days, the examples of Hudson Taylor and Nehemiah remind us to turn to the Father in prayer. Through prayer, we align ourselves with His purposes and gain the strength to move forward, not in our own power, but in His.
Father, as we face the unsettled days we live in, we choose to seek Your face. Show us how to pray in our current circumstances so that Your will may be done on earth as it is in heaven.
INSIGHT
The Timing of Prayer and The Answer
Nehemiah’s story is a powerful example of patience and persistence in prayer. He started praying in the Jewish month of Kislev, which corresponds to November or December on our modern calendar, as recorded in Nehemiah 1:1. However, the answer did not come right away. It took about five months before the Father responded. The breakthrough happened in the month of Nisan, which is March or April, as noted in Nehemiah 2:1.
During this period, Nehemiah stayed committed in prayer, trusting that the Father would act at the right time. When the answer finally arrived, it surpassed all expectations. The Father not only heard Nehemiah’s prayer but also moved King Artaxerxes’ heart to show kindness and generosity.
The King’s Favor
When the moment arrived, Nehemiah was ready. The king asked him, “Well, how can I help you?” Nehemiah’s response was immediate but grounded in prayer.
Nehemiah 2:4-5: “With a prayer to the God of heaven, I replied, ‘If it please the king, and if you are pleased with me, your servant, send me to Judah to rebuild the city where my ancestors are buried.’”
This brief but heartfelt prayer shows Nehemiah’s dependence on the Father when facing earthly authority. His request was bold yet respectful, and the king’s response was remarkable.
Artaxerxes granted Nehemiah everything he needed to complete the massive task of rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls and defenses. The king provided letters to ensure safe passage, access to building materials, and even a small army for protection. It was as if Nehemiah received an all-inclusive pass, giving him every resource necessary to carry out the Father’s will.
The Hand of God in Human Affairs
Nehemiah was quick to acknowledge that the success of his mission was not solely due to his efforts or the king’s generosity. He understood that the Father, the living God, is in control of history and influences the hearts of powerful people. As seen in Nehemiah 2:8: “And the king granted these requests because the gracious hand of God was on me.”
This statement highlights a profound truth: while human authority contributes to achieving God’s purposes, it is ultimately the Father who orchestrates events and influences hearts to align with His will.
A Model of Prayer and Leadership
Nehemiah’s story offers a blueprint for effective prayer and leadership. He exhibited unwavering faith, patience, and reliance on God while also recognizing the importance of engaging with human authority. Nehemiah’s close relationship with King Artaxerxes positioned him uniquely to serve as the bridge between divine will and earthly power.
Through prayer, preparation, and trust in the Father’s timing, Nehemiah was able to accomplish what seemed impossible. His story reminds us that God’s hand is always at work, guiding history and influencing the hearts of those in power to fulfill His purposes.
The lives of Hudson Taylor and Nehemiah illustrate that prayer is not a passive act but rather a potent force that can shape history. By earnestly seeking God’s presence and surrendering to His will, children of the King can move forward with confidence, assured that His purposes will ultimately prevail. Whether on the mission fields of China or amidst the crumbling walls of Jerusalem, the path to victory begins on our knees.
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© Dr. H 2025
Dr H Reflections 