Some years ago, I visited a Christian couple whose daughter had been murdered. During our conversation, he mentioned that his best friend, having heard the news, telephoned him and during their chat said, “Don’t worry, brother, Romans 8 verse 28,” Aware of this verse I asked him what his reaction was, and he replied, “I nearly threw the phone on the floor.” If someone knows the truth of the verse, having it quoted at you may not always be appreciated.
Incidents, such as this, have made me reluctant to quote scripture to Christians who are as, or more, aware of the Bible than me. However, there are verses from the books of Esther and Nehemiah that I have found a means of support in certain circumstances. It would be beneficial to read the context for both quotations, especially if you are unfamiliar with them.
In Nehemiah chapter 2 verse 2 (depending on the version) Nehemiah “is very much afraid” and verse 4 “Then I prayed to the God of heaven.” I have always assumed this was a silent, panic prayer, that God answered quickly and enabled Nehemiah to present his request to the king and receive a response that may have been even better than he had hoped.
In Esther 4 verse 14 after expressing her awareness of the danger she would face in seeking an audience with the king, Mordecai challenged her with this question, “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we thank you that we have the Bible in our language. We pray that we never distort Your truths or share them inappropriately, but rather use them for our own, and others, spiritual blessing.