See a Need, Fill a Need
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Nehemiah 2:1-8
“During the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was set before him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had never been sad in his presence, so the king said to me, “Why do you look so sad, when you aren’t sick? This is nothing but sadness of heart.” I was overwhelmed with fear and replied to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should I not be sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins and its gates have been destroyed by fire? ” Then the king asked me, “What is your request? ” So I prayed to the God of the heavens and answered the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor with you, send me to Judah and to the city where my ancestors are buried, , so that I may rebuild it.” The king, with the queen seated beside him, asked me, “How long will your journey take, and when will you return? ” So I gave him a definite time, and it pleased the king to send me. I also said to the king, “If it pleases the king, let me have letters written to the governors of the region west of the Euphrates River, so that they will grant me safe passage until I reach Judah. And let me have a letter written to Asaph, keeper of the king’s forest, so that he will give me timber to rebuild the gates of the temple’s fortress, the city wall, and the home where I will live.” , The king granted my requests, for the gracious hand of my God was on me.”
Nehemiah 2:1-8 CSB
Supporting scripture: Nehemiah 1:1-11
We are all ready and willing to play disc golf! We are also often ready and willing to help find that favorite lost disc in the deep stuff or give insight into a particular hole or approach. I personally find it fun to actually get to return a found disc to its rightful owner. Disc golf is filled with ways to see a need (lost disc, unfamiliar with the course, frustration with that bad shot, etc.) and serve. My wife and I often used the phrase, “See a need, fill the need” with our kids when they were growing up.
Nehemiah was a good example of someone who saw a need and did what it took to fill it. In 1:1- 11, we see when Nehemiah learned about Jerusalem and his initial response to the issue. We hear him begin to act with a plan in mind in v.11 and see him begin to fill the need in the following chapter (2:1-8). In chapters 2-6 we see Nehemiah enduring hardship, dangers and opposition in order to accomplish the goal of filling the need to rebuild the walls.
The Bible teaches us as believers to love one another (John 13:34) and bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). Just like Nehemiah did with Jerusalem and we often do on the disc golf course, we need to be ready and willing to serve others. Opportunities are around us every day. These are great opportunities to show God’s love and make a difference in another’s life.
Reflection 1: What are some opportunities that God may have placed in front of you? Are there needs that you see at church, with a friend or family member that you could fill? What will be your first step to helping?
Reflection 2: This devo is primarily pointed toward fellow believers but seeing a need and filling it can also lead to opportunities to share the Gospel with someone. So much of our society today is focused on me. What would happen if we focused on others? How could that open doors to share Christ with others?
Tim Tanner PDGA #294446