Q3. Strategic Witness

[Pastor Ralph]

Q3. (Nehemiah 1:11) In what way does Nehemiah’s situation compare to Esther’s? Why does God place his people in strategic positions today in the community, in business, in the military, in government? What responsibilities do we have to God that can cause danger to our positions and our lives? Has this ever happened to you? How do you pray in situations like this?

[WinstonY]

Q3. (Nehemiah 1:11) In what way does Nehemiah’s situation compare to Esther’s? Why does God place his people in strategic positions today in the community, in business, in the military, in government? What responsibilities do we have to God that can cause danger to our positions and our lives? Has this ever happened to you? How do you pray in situations like this?

 nehemiah's situation is similar to that of Esther’s in that both are more or less called upon to intercede for their people with the King. This can be very dangerous even if you are loved or are in favor with the King if you insult the king you can lose your head. Consider Ann Boyle, a queen  of Henry the eighth.

 It seems   that God works through people. God puts his people in a place and in a situation where they are able to intercede for God's will. It may not always be expedient to act for God but if we are God's slave and servant we must act as he directs us.

No, this has never happened to me.

 I suspect that one would have to pray as Nehemiah did in order to carry out God's will.

[blezed]

On 8/15/2017 at 5:42 PM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q3. (Nehemiah 1:11) In what way does Nehemiah’s situation compare to Esther’s?

Nehemiah's situation compares to Esther's as they both wanted to make a request of the king on behalf of their people.  If the king is angry or offended, they could lose their life.

Why does God place his people in strategic positions today in the community, in business, in the military, in government?

Today is no different than during  Nehemiah's time.  God works thru people and places us where we can help others.  

What responsibilities do we have to God that can cause danger to our positions and our lives?

I am an active leader in the church.  I must make sure that I live the life that I am suppose to because people are looking up to me.  I do not want to do something that would cause another to fall in their walk with Christ.  The danger I would face is loosing my position as a leader.

Has this ever happened to you? How do you pray in situations like this?

This has never happen to me.  

 

[JanMary]

On 8/15/2017 at 2:42 PM, Pastor Ralph said:

"Q3. (Nehemiah 1:11) In what way does Nehemiah’s situation compare to Esther’s?

In both situations the nation was in peril and they were desperate for God to intervene. Both Esther and Nehemiah prayed and fasted, interceding on their people's behalf before seeking an audience with their King for help and deliverance for their people. Both were risking their lives if the king was offended or angry at the request to help people other than his own.

Why does God place his people in strategic positions today in the community, in business, in the military, in government?

I believe it's because He knows the future and chooses and raises up those He knows will be willing to intercede and to fight for and depend upon Him to accomplish His purposes. Acts. 17:26B:"He, God,  determines the allotted period of time in which we live and the fixed boundaries of where we live." As our nation was sinking into Communism/Socialism and Marxism, He raised up President Trump who is a warrior and businessman rather than a politician, who is willing to fight for our forefather's (Biblical) values to be restored, and who loves the Constitution which has been gradually ignored and undermined by previous administrations. In President Trump, God is answering thousands and probably hundreds of thousands of intercessors who have been crying out night and day for America to return to God and the values most of us cherish. He was not a believer when he was chosen to lead, but is now and is doing the things we have been crying out to God to restore. He was trained in military school to love our flag and country, and as a businessman to understand what needs to be done to bring back the workforce and the dignity of work rather than a "welfare state" which eventually cripples a free people. He is committed to religious freedom, which for Christians in our nation was also being slowly eroded by previous administration and the socialist left.

What responsibilities do we have to God that can cause danger to our positions and our lives?

We have the responsibility to live a surrendered life, which means we are His servants who will speak up for Him, will stand in our place and live for Him and lay down our lives for Him if it comes to that. We could lose our job when refusing to do things which violate His principles and His word. We may lose friends or have family members distance themselves from us if we refuse to participate in things which are against our/His values. Conservative Christians in Hollywood are blacklisted for having spoken out for their faith.

Has this ever happened to you?

No, not exactly. But I was denied a job which a Physician created for me "due to my banking work experience" at a hospital when it was discovered that I was not a member of the major church in Utah after filling out the paperwork which asked a lot of questions about where I attended church, whether or not I drink coffee or cola drinks, etc. (This was a city hospital not a religious institution but was controlled by their church)

How do you pray in situations like this?

For courage, boldness, to be steadfast and fearless and above all to be faithful to my Lord. To be willing to do or say whatever He has for me to do or say regardless of the cost. 

 

[Old Jerry]

The way that Nehemiah’s situation compare to Ester’s is that they both have to come before the king and ask for a favor. There were only supposed to appear before the king when they are asked to and neither one was. God places his people in strategic positions today because He knows that we will do his will. Our responsibilities to God is to make disciples for Jesus. I have been a position like this and I had to pray for that situation for a while before I approached that situation.

[Uncle Dave]

Q3. (Nehemiah 1:11) In what way does Nehemiah's situation compare to Esther's? Why does God place his people in strategic positions today in the community, in business, in the military, in government? What responsibilities do we have to God that can cause danger to our positions and our lives? Has this ever happened to you? How do you pray in situations like this?

There is a strong comparison in that both Esther and Nehemiah have been called by God to approach the king to intercede for the Jewish people. The situation could easily end up in death because you never knew what mood the king would be in and at a time when his favor to the Jewish people isn’t exactly favorable.

God puts people in positions like these to show His glory and to prove His love for His people. To the unknowing such moves could appear as wreck less and totally dare devilish but God is in control and knows the outcome before anything even takes place. I can see where it would still be a test of one’s faith.

Sometimes God puts a person in a spot where he could lose all his friends, wealth, power, position, etc., simply by doing “the right thing.” If God is in something and has called for something to be done and it is pursued, things will happen according to God’s plan, but once again, it takes courage to do what one is called to do.

I’ve never been in a spot like this, but I’m sure there would be as much fasting and for sure much fervent prayer taking place. I have been in situations in my life when, being on the wrong side of the law I would have to face a judge and the last time around I think I got a taste of what fervent prayer is all about in a situation like this, although the circumstances were not out of courage for a cause on my part.

[bertha]

Q3. (Nehemiah 1:11) In what way does Nehemiah's situation compare to Esther's? Why does God place his people in strategic positions today in the community, in business, in the military, in government? What responsibilities do we have to God that can cause danger to our positions and our lives? Has this ever happened to you? How do you pray in situations like this?

In the fact that both were chosen by God to intercede for His people by presenting their cause before the king. Both instances God's people were in a critical situation. Both risked their lives for their people. In both situations God came through. He inclined His ear to their servants prayers, supplications and moved the heart of the king in their favor.

God places people in today in strategic positions for the same purpose, to accomplish His will.

As children of God, we have the responsibility of representing God by being truthful, honest, doing what is right, obeying God vs. man. We have the responsibility to stand firm in the Word of God when faith and morals are compromised. This might affect our positions at work when we are asked to lie, to be dishonest by our bosses. We can lose our jobs and in doing so, our families are affected by the loss of income coming in. We can be overlooked when promotions become available. Some Christian brothers and sisters have lost businesses or have had their lives threatened, they have been called racists, or haters for not compromising their beliefs. Some have ended up in jail.

When I hear of these dangerous situations our Christian brothers/sisters are going through, I would have to admit that I have never been in a similar or even close situation like these. I do admit that when faced in dangerous positions, turning to God in prayer and fast for strength, favor, victory is the only way out.

 

[hanks]

Q3. (Nehemiah 1:11) 
In what way does Nehemiah's situation compare to Esther's? 
Why does God place his people in strategic positions today in the community, in business, in the military, in government? 
What responsibilities do we have to God that can cause danger to our positions and our lives? 
Has this ever happened to you? 
How do you pray in situations like this?
Both Nehemiah and Esther are in similar situations. They need to ask the king for a favour but to do this involves great risk to themselves. They were not to upset the king in anyway as both kings had passed decrees that would bring great harm to the Jewish people. However, both of them had been placed by God in strategic positions and it was up to them to take advantage of this and to trust God. It is up to us to be counted as Christians and to unite with our brothers and sisters in praying for, as an example, things that affect our whole country. Yes, we had a prayer meeting where nearly one million believers came together to pray for our country. To help us defeat the evil corruption and plundering and the state capture that is destroying our beloved country. This was a historic occasion, for never before had so many believers come together to pray. We can already notice the upheaval occurring in the political organization that is responsible for our situation.  
 

[haar]

Q3. (Nehemiah 1:11)

Q. In what way does Nehemiah's situation compare to Esther's?

A. in both cases, favour was being sought for from a king. The difference is Esther was a queen while Nehemiah was a servant

Q. Why does God place his people in strategic positions today in the community, in business, in the military, in government?

A. It is for a time a peculiar  service may be required at that position

Q. What responsibilities do we have to God that can cause danger to our positions and our lives?

A. I think the one that comes to my mind is, our position as evangelists where we may be persecuted for preaching Christ in some hostile areas

Q. Has this ever happened to you? How do you pray in situations like this?

A. Not that I can remember. I pray for God's favour and wisdom when a similar situation arises.

 

[Commissioned]

On 8/15/2017 at 5:42 PM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q3. (Nehemiah 1:11) In what way does Nehemiah’s situation compare to Esther’s? Why does God place his people in strategic positions today in the community, in business, in the military, in government? What responsibilities do we have to God that can cause danger to our positions and our lives? Has this ever happened to you? How do you pray in situations like this?

Nehemiah’s situation compares to Esther’s in that they both were interceding on behalf of God's people.  God places his people in strategic positions today in the community, in business, in the military, in government so that they can be intercessors and be the light of Christ in every situation.  Our responsibilities  to God is to be in communion with Him and know his ways so that we will not be the cause of danger to our positions and our lives.

[Julie]

In both they are asking for help.
This is how God gets us where we need to be at the exact moment needed.
Obedience is our responsibility and we are to put God First. This can cause danger to our positions at work and to our lives as we know it.
 

[Katy]

Nehemiah’s situation is similar to Esther’s in that they both needed to approach the King and ask him to reverse a decision that he had made. Both their lives were in possible danger. But God was using them to bring about His purpose! They both prepared in the same way by praying and fasting and showing God their total dependence on Him and also their trust in Him. Esther was putting her life on the line, Nehemiah was at least putting his job on the line and possibly his life. 
God very often uses people to do things which He has planned in order to bring about His purposes. It is so important to obey God to enable His will to come about. If we disobey God will work out His purposes in some other way, as nothing is impossible for Him. 
My life has not been put in danger nor have I lost a job due to having to stand up for Christ. The only thing I have experienced is hostility and being given ‘the cold shoulder’ in certain circumstances and situations when I have spoken out or stood up for my beliefs. This has happened within my own family when we had the referendum on abortion and then had another referendum on gay marriage! Unfortunately it has caused me a lot of unhappiness but I will not compromise my beliefs.  I pray all the time for patience, and for the courage to speak out even when it is easier to be silent.