Trusting God

Q1. (2 Corinthians 2:14-16a) In what sense is knowing God fragrant to people who are open to God? In what way is this fragrance repugnant to people who are closed to God? This fragrance is repugnant to people who are closed to God, because it signifies eternal death. The smell of death is the odor of the putrefying flesh of a corpse. Even when masked by funeral spices, the smell is still present. No one is fooled. It is the smell of people who are "perishing," ap-ollymi, "to cause or experience destruction," here in the middle voice, "perish, be ruined." Many Christians don't really believe that people are lost, dying, and being destroyed forever to end up in a hell eternally separated from God. But that is the pungent odor of eternal death that Paul is trying to contrast with the fragrant smell of life and victory. Have you suppressed your "fragrance" because some people are allergic to Christian perfume? No, I have not suppressed my “fragrance.” Looking at the news and the condition of the world it shows that sin is rampant, and the need for the gospel message to go out is greater than ever before. If so, how can you regain the fragrance of Christ's gospel? When I get discouraged or sin, I know that I can regain the fragrance of Christ’s gospel by confessing my sin to God and trusting in the power of His Word to not only give out the gospel, but to live it.

Q4. (2 Corinthians 2:10-11) How does Satan take advantage of our unforgiveness? Satan takes advantage of our unforgiveness when we don’t forgive, because it provides a foothold that Satan can use to defeat us. What are the symptoms in our own heart of unforgiveness? The symptoms in our own heart of unforgiveness is anger, bitterness, and no peace. According to Matthew 6:14-15, how does holding unforgiveness hurt our spiritual lives? Matthew 6:14-15 – “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Holding on to unforgiveness hurt our spiritual lives, because if we do not forgive others when they sin against us, God will not forgive our sins. What would you have to do to really let go of your resentment and give it to God? What would I have to do to really let go of my resentment and give it to God is to pray that God will help me to forgive the person who have wronged me. Unforgiveness puts us in bondage. Jesus died to set us free, and when we forgive we will live a life of peace and freedom that can only be found in Christ.

Q3. (2 Corinthians 2:9) How does obedience to servant leaders help the church of Jesus Christ? Obedience to servant leaders helps the church of Jesus Christ, because they are serving the Lord in humility. The church of Jesus Christ will grow when a leader brings themselves under the authority of God, by living a Christ like life, and that they are listening to and passing on the Word of God. How does obedience to self-serving leaders hurt the church? Obedience to self-serving leaders hurt the church, because they are not serving God but serving themselves. Are you obedient to those whom God has placed over you in the Lord? Why or why not? That is a hard question, because I try my best to follow those whom God has placed over me. Yet, it is hard to follow those who are constantly lifting up themselves with their accolades and status. Prayerfully, I follow everyone God has placed over me, because I do not want to be disobedient to God’s Word. What is the relationship between obedience and church unity? The relationship between obedience and church unity is that obedience refers to following God with humility and submission, and church unity means being one or being in agreement.

Q2. (2 Corinthians 1:24) What does it mean to “lord it over” someone? “Lord it over” someone means to act like a person is a master, to behave as if you are better than someone else and have the right to tell them what to do, or a person is trying accrue personal power. What is the balance between (1) good, strong leadership, (2) micromanaging, and (3) a complete laissez-faire approach to leadership? The difference between good, strong leadership, micromanaging, and a complete laissez-faire approach to leadership is that a good, strong leadership approach to leadership is not controlling, and is a hands-on person. This leader has a balanced leadership style. A micromanager tends to control a person or situation by paying extreme attention to small details, whereas a complete laissez-faire approach to leadership tends to lenient, laid back, and do not get involved in other people’s activities or behavior. What are the dangers of an authoritative leadership style? The danger of an authoritative leadership style is that it leaves those the leaders are managing with no choices. What are the dangers of a weak leadership style? The danger of a weak leadership style is that there is no clear organizational mission, vision, or strategy. A leader who micromanage can have a weak leadership style, because they are too controlling.

Q1. (2 Corinthians 1:21b-22) According to this verse, what does the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives signify? Verse 21b says, “Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us.” This verse tells the believer that the anointing of the Holy Spirit comes from God and it is He that sets us apart for his service. How does the Spirit unite us with God? Verse 22a says that it is God who “set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts.” The Holy Spirit is the identifier that we belong to God. Indeed, Paul writes: “If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ” (Romans 8:9). We have been sealed by the Holy Spirit which tells us that it is God who owns us through the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. This makes us authentic, because God has set His seal upon all believers. What is the promise of future blessing inherent in the Spirit’s presence? Verse 22b tells us that God “put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” A deposit, earnest, pledge of “what is to come” is eternal life. Promised to us in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Q3. (2 Corinthians 1:10-11) Why does Paul ask people to pray for him? Paul was asking others to pray for him that he would be able to tell them about the gospel of Christ. How do the prayers of others have an effect? Knowing that others are praying for us encourages us in the work to stay steadfast for the cause of Christ. What happened in your life that has helped you enter into a ministry of intercessory prayer? God’s word has been a comfort to me. Knowing that Jesus is seating on the right hand of the Father interceding for me, He is my advocate. The Holy Spirit is able to interpret my groaning, and He intercedes for me. Trials and tribulations have helped me to enter into a ministry of intercessory prayers for others. The combination of all of these things has brought me hope, comfort, and encouragement to pray for others as others have prayed for me.

Q2. (2 Corinthians 1:9-10) How does facing a harrowing crisis help us grow in the Lord? A harrowing crisis help us to grow in the Lord when because we learn to rely on Him to see us through, and take care of us. How has a crisis helped your spiritual life? A crisis has helped my spiritual life, because I have learned to trust and believe in God. What is the value of learning not to rely on ourselves? The value of learning not to rely on ourselves is that, we learn to humble ourselves, and rely on the power of God. What does this do to our pride? This should strengthen our pride, but many times we feel inadequate and our self esteem is low. When we humble ourselves under God’s will for our lives, He will strengthen us and is able to teach us to trust Him completely. How does this improve our effectiveness as God’s servants? Relying on God improves our effectiveness as His servant, because He is able to use us for His glory, and it encourages us in our Christian walk.

Q1. (2 Corinthians 1:3-7) What kind of comfort do you receive from your faith in God? God has comforted me and have strengthened my faith by always being there for me. His promises have carried me through knowing that He is with me, and will take care of me. From your personal daily relationship with God? My faith in God comforts me in my personal daily relationship with Him, because of my relationship with Jesus, and His Holy Word, the Bible. How might you share the blessing of this kind of comfort with a friend or relative who is currently suffering? I share my faith in God with everyone who is going through trials, temptations, and His blessings. God has promised in His Word that He will never leave us nor forsake us. Knowing that I can take all of my problems to God for He has promised to take care of me and all believers. What words of comfort can you bring to others? Words of comfort I can bring to others are to trust, believe, and have faith in the promises of God.

Q9. (3:21) How can God receive more glory in your local congregation? God can receive more glory in my church by the way we live and love. By the way we preach the greatness of Christ. By our obedience. And most of all, perhaps, by our praise. God can receive glory when we come before Him in faith believing that nothing is impossible with Him, nothing is too hard for God, and believing in faith that God can do more than we can ask or imagine. How can you help this happen? I can help this happen by living and loving God and others. Through my obedience and praise to God Almighty. Also, by telling others about the power of God that lives in all believers, and reminding them of the promises in God’s Word.

Q8. (3:20) How should verse 3:20 of the doxology energize your prayers? The doxology in Ephesians 3:20 should energize our prayers, because God has promised us that “He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” God wants us to be aware of His limitless power that is available to us whenever we ask for it, or need it. What happens when we limit God by our own ability to comprehend? When we limit God by our own ability to comprehend His ability and power we hinder our prayers, because we are not trusting and believing in the immeasurable power of God that is at work in us. How can we get past this failing? We can get past this failing of limiting God by changing our thinking. Recognizing that we serve a God who is able to do more than we can ask or imagine. Believe and know that God is limitless.

Q7. (3:19) Have you ever prayed for a fellow believer that he or she might be "filled with all the fullness of God"? Yes, I have prayed for a fellow believer to know and understand the power of God, and His love for them, but I do not remember if I have prayed for them to be “filled with all the fullness of God.” What would you be praying for with that kind of prayer? If I pray for a fellow believer to be “filled with all the fullness of God” I will be praying that they will feel God’s power and presence completely. How does this prayer relate to Ephesians 5:27 and Colossians 1:28? This prayer relates to Ephesians 5:27 and Colossians 1:28, in that, God wants His glory and wisdom to completely fill the church. Ephesians 5:27 – “That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” (KJV) Colossians 1:28 – “Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.”

Q6. (3:17-19) Why does Paul pray that the believers grasp the fullest extent of Christ's love for them? Paul is asking believers to grasp the fullest extent of Christ’s love for them, because it is beyond human reasoning or feelings. He wants us to completely take hold and recognize God’s love for all believers. How does comprehending this love change a person's spiritual life? Once a person comprehends the love of God that is immeasurable and without attachments it will change not only their spiritual life but their view of how much God loves us. Once we understand Christ’s love for us we begin to grow. Is there any end to Christ's love for a person? NO!!! There is no end to Christ’s love for a person, because He is always with all believers.

Q5 (3:16-17) Why does Paul pray for strengthening of the inner man? Paul prays for strengthening of the inner man, because he wants all believers to know that we have been empowered personal indwelling of the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who gives us the strength to live and run this Christian life or race. It is the Holy Spirit that strengthens and makes all believers strong. How would we pray this prayer today? We pray this prayer today the same as Paul. God’s Word is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. His Word does not change (Hebrews 13:8). We would ask God to strengthen us for the work of the Gospel, and that we will rely on the power of the Holy Spirit for our every need. Hebrews 13:8 – “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” Why does he pray that Christ dwell in the believers' hearts? Paul prays that Christ dwell in the believers’ hearts, because the “heart” is the center and source of the whole inner life. It is where our thinking, feelings, and volition/will come from. Paul is praying to God and asking believers to allow God to have a permanent habitation in their hearts. Isn't this already an established fact? This may be an established fact, but in God’s Word we have to be reminded, and not afraid to repeat a fact if it will save a person’s soul as Paul said in Philippians 3:1. Philippians 3:1 – “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.” (KJV)

Q4. (1:18) Why is a revelation of "his incomparably great power for us who believe" essential to a vital faith? A revelation of “his incomparably great power for us who believe” is essential to a vital faith, because it assures me that I do not have to live this faith in my own strength. Just as Jesus was empowered for His ministry on earth, all believers is empowered by the Holy Spirit for the work of God. How do you develop this faith in yourself? I can develop this faith in myself, by believing by faith that God’s immeasurable power lives in me and all believers. How do you pray for it for others? I pray for others to develop this faith of believing in the power by praying for them as Jesus did for us that they may see and understand God’s immeasurable power that lives in every believer.

Q3. (1:18) What is the result in prayer and faith if believers think that God is poverty-stricken? The result in prayer and faith if believers think that God is poverty-stricken is isolation, suffering of rejection, and we live in pain and restrict ourselves of the “spiritual blessings” of God that is rightfully ours. We are living with an earthly view of Heaven instead of a Heavenly view. Ephesians 1:3 – “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:” Colossians 3:1-2 – “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” How does knowledge of a "glorious inheritance" motivate our lives? The knowledge of a “glorious inheritance” motivates our lives when because earthly inheritance cannot compare. This inheritance is “glorious and rich beyond all comparison.” Our prayers? When we realize that God has given us a “glorious inheritance” it should enrich our prayers knowing that God can bless us abundantly with overflowing blessings. How can you pray for others to glimpse this inheritance? I can pray for others to glimpse this inheritance by asking the Lord to allow the Holy Spirit to open their eyes to the truth of His Word.

Q2. (1:18) How has your Christian "hope" changed your way of living? My Christian “hope” which is in believing in Jesus Christ as my personal Savior that He died for my sins, was buried, rose again, and is coming back for me some day is my hope. Knowing that this I have a future home of love and peace with my blessed Father, Savior, and the family of God. This has changed my way of thinking and living, because I know that this world will not last forever with all of its sinful pleasures and wickedness. Until God calls me home, or come back for me I am living and telling others about the hope that Christ brings when we place our trust and faith in Him. Titus 2:11-15 - “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.”(KJV) What is the result of Christians with only a meager or minute hope? The result of Christians with only a meager or minute hope is that they are living a defeated life ready to die, and wanting to die. Because they have nothing to look forward to, no joy, no faith in a future that God will bring. How would you pray for hope to be borne in others? I will pray for hope to be borne in others as Paul did recognizing that we have been called to “hope.” Praying that our hope expand, embrace, and comprehend the hope of the future we have in Jesus Christ.

Q1. (1:17-18). What do you learn from Paul's manner of prayer for the Ephesian believers? What I learned from Paul’s manner of prayer for the Ephesians believers, is that, he remembers to pray for them continually, and is thankful for/to them. If Christians stopped praying for people to receive a revelation of God, would people come to know God on their own? Yes! I believe that if Christians stopped praying for people to receive a revelation of God, people would come to know God on their own, because God can use whatever and whoever He wants to proclaim Him. Examples: Creation shows there is a God (Psalm 19:1-6), and the rocks will cry out if we hold back our praises to God (Luke 19:37-39). Psalm 19:1-6 – “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.” Luke 19:37-39 - And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest. And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples. And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out. Would God work in them at all? God can work in whoever and whatever way He wants. He says that His Word “will not return unto Him void.” With the power of the Holy Spirit God can move in the hearts of men. Isaiah 55:6-11- “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it, For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” (KJV) How important is this kind of prayer? This kind of prayer is very important because it encourages others to know that someone is continually praying for them, and thanking God for them.

Q4. (22:43) Did Jesus get "special treatment" because he was the Son of God to have angels help and strengthen him in his spiritual struggle? No, Jesus did not get “special treatment” because He was the Son of God. BUT, He was given strength by the angels to help and strengthen him in His spiritual struggle. "An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him." (Luke 22:43) A few minutes after Jesus' prayer in the Garden, he is strongly aware of angels, for he admonishes his disciples not to resist his captors: "Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?" (Matthew 26:53-54) God's answer to Jesus' prayer was not to remove the cup but to provide strength for the ordeal.16 Do we get that help, too? YES!!! God sends us angels to strengthen us. All this is part of God's promise for us, "I will never leave you or forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5).

Q3. (22:42) When Jesus prayed "not my will, but yours be done," was the Father pleased? Yes, because Jesus is surrendering His will to His Father. He is humbly submitting to the Father’s will for His life. Why is the Father not pleased when we are passive and uncaring and dispassionate in our prayers that his will be done? The Father is not pleased with our prayers that His will be done when we are passive, uncaring, and dispassionate, because we are selfishly praying to Him. When we pray like this we are not looking for God’s will or His best for us. We are only asking for God to give us something, and we are not asking from the heart or do we care about what He wants for us. We have the mentality that we tell God what we want and He is suppose to answer. This is not the right attitude. To have the “mind of Christ” we are to seek God’s will for our lives daily in every area. What is required for us to pray the prayer of submission with authenticity? To pray the prayer of submission with authenticity we are to come before a Holy God humbly, surrendering to His Will and His way.

Q2. (22:42) Why did Jesus pray that the Father take the cup from him? I do not know exactly why Jesus prayed this prayer, but I think that Jesus prayed that the Father would take the cup from him, because He was feeling the weight of the wrath of God upon him. He knew that He was going to have to give His life, and be separated from the Father for the sins of the world. He would have to carry the pain and agony of the world, in which, we should have carried, and miss out on His sweet communion with His Father. According to Mark and Matthew, Jesus repeated this prayer three times. Why was he so intense about it? I believed that Jesus prayed this prayer three times, because of the punishment associated with the wrath of God. He was asking His Father if He was willing for Jesus to avoid the agony of the cross. What did this mean? Jesus was asking for the Father for the Father to answer His prayer in the content and intention of His will. Why was Jesus resisting the Father's will? Or was he? I do not believe Jesus was resisting the Father’s will, but that He was asking is there another way that does not cause them to be separated. He desired and petitioned to do God’s will throughout His whole life and ministry. That is what Jesus displayed throughout His whole life, as a child to His earthly parents, and what He taught His disciples.

Q1. (22:40-41, 45-46) Why did he ask his disciples to pray? Jesus asked His disciples to pray that they do not “enter into” the temptations they will face. What temptation did Jesus know they would be facing? As Jesus disciples Jesus knew that they would be facing the temptations of human life. If I was to draw some conclusions about specific temptations I would like at the Gospels when Satan tempted Jesus. *One of the temptations Satan could tempt them with was “hunger.” Luke 4:3-4 – Jesus was tempted physically with bread to eat by Satan because He had been fasting and had nothing to eat for 40 days. Another temptation could be power and wealth. Luke 4:5-8 – Jesus was tempted with worldly authority and glory. The last temptation Satan tempted Jesus with was instant acclaim. Luke 4:9-13 – Jesus was tempted with fame. These are a few of the temptations Jesus knew they would be facing, because He was tempted by Satan with these same temptations. * Taken from #5 Jesus' Temptation (Luke 4:1-13) by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson A few more could be the **** of the eyes, **** of the flesh, and pride of life as stated in I John 2:15-17. I John 2:15-17 – “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the **** of the flesh, and the **** of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the **** thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” (KJV) What was the content of their prayer to be? The contents of their prayer should be that they do not “enter” into temptation. Did they actually pray this prayer diligently? In the Bible, we read that the disciples ran, denied, or betrayed Jesus when He was crucified. We also see that they became strong men in the faith, except for Judas who hung himself after he betrayed Jesus. Did they actually pray this prayer diligently, maybe not at first, but as they learned and felt how it was to turn their backs on Jesus whom they loved dearly I believed that they prayed this prayer as they grew in the Lord. How does the Lord's Prayer word this kind of prayer? * According to the Lord’s Prayer in Luke 11:2-4, and Matthew 6:9-13, "deliver us from evil" or "deliver us from the evil one." Jesus is teaching us to be dependent upon God to help us in times of temptation, when the tempter seems especially strong. Don't lead us into places where we can be tempted, we pray, but lead us in places where you are, and where we can be free. * Taken from: #48. The Lord's Prayer (11:1-4) by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson Why do you think Jesus wanted to be alone during his own prayer? Jesus knew the value of spending time with the Father in prayer. He often spent time alone with the Father seeking His will, asking for strength, whatever Jesus needed He knew that His Father could provide it if it was according to His Will. That is why Jesus often prayed for the Father’s will to be done when He went to Him with a request.

Q4. (2:4) What danger is Nehemiah in? The danger that Nehemiah is in is that when he makes his request the king could dismiss him from service, banish him forever from his presence, or kill him. Why does he pray quickly and silently before he answers the king? Nehemiah prayed quickly and silent before he answers the king, because he wanted God to direct him when he reply to the king. How does this quick "arrow prayer" relate to the four months of prayer he has just finished? This quick “arrow prayer” related to the four months of prayer he has just finished is a continuation of Nehemiah’s conversation and partnership with God about this issue.

Q3. (1:11) In what way does Daniel's situation compared to Esther's. Why does God place his people in strategic positions today in the community, in business, in the military, in government? Daniel’s situation compares to Esther’s, because Artaxerxes’ had made a policy that was against the Jews and Jerusalem that was due to the influence of Rehum the Chancellor and his compatriots.When Nehemiah makes his requests if the king felt manipulated, because of the policy in place Nehemiah could have lost his life.In the same way Esther had to put her life on the line when Haman, an enemy of the Jews, plotted to destroy the Jewish community. God places people in strategic positions today to preserve and to protect His plan program for His children and for the furtherance of the Gospel. What responsibilities do we have to God that can cause danger to our positions and our lives? We, as God’s children, have the responsibility to be witnesses for Christ, and to give out the Gospel no matter what the cost. Has this ever happened to you? Yes, at work, and I had trying times trying to stay obedient to God and His Word, but God brought me through with the help the Holy Spirit, and the promises found in His Word. How do you pray in situations like this? In situations like this I have prayed with weeping and mourning. Asking God for strength to see me through, so that, He alone would get all of the glory, honor, and praise when I reach the other side of the situation.

Q2. (1:7-11) What is the basis of Nehemiah's appeal? The basis of Nehemiah’s appeal is on the fact that God’s people are His servants. How does he argue his case before God? Nehemiah argues his case before God by making two points: God redeemed His servants at great expense, and His servants delight in honoring Him. God had a two-way covenant with His people which, in which, the servant had a duty towards the master, and the master had a duty to protect the servants. What do we learn from this about intercession? What I learn from this about intercession, is that: When I pray do not be so proud to not identify with the people I am interceding for. It is okay to appeal to God based of His promises and the needs of His people. When I pray in this manner it is reminding me of the greatness of the God that I serve.

Q1. (1:1-6) Why does Nehemiah pray day and night for four months? Nehemiah prays humbly day and night for four months, because he is asking God to hear his prayer and supplication on behalf of him and the people of Israel who have broken His covenant by their disobedience. He confesses the people’s sins as his own, and he prays until he comes in the presence of the king. Why does he fast and weep? Nehemiah fast and weep as a sign of suffering. Isn't that excessive? No, because Nehemiah is preparing himself to come before God interceding for his people to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He is coming as a servant.