Prayer---When God put in Nehemiah's heart to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, he was in no position to act at that point. He was a slave, a captive in another country. His response was to weep, to fast and to pray. That prayer included praise, petition, personal confession, confession of his ancestors' sins and confession of his nation's sins. He prayed long prayers and he prayed quick ones. His prayers went up to the Lord all throughout his days. Nehemiah Moms need to pray like this too.
Patience---As eager as Nehemiah was to rebuild the walls, he had to wait on the Lord for the right timing to talk to the king. As he waited, God was softening the king's heart, so that when the time was right, the king was ready to respond positively to Nehemiah's request. Sometimes a Nehemiah Mom's (or wife's) best action is to wait, while God softens or convicts hearts (her own included!).
Planning---It's obvious that Nehemiah had been planning while he was waiting. When the king asked about his desires, Nehemiah quickly prayed and then gave a well-thought plan of action and list of requests. He later recorded, "And the king granted them to me according to the good hand of my God upon me." Neh. 2:8 Providing well-thought plans is important for Nehemiah Moms too.
Protection---Nehemiah's plan to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem was constantly under attack verbally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Nehemiah recognized the attacks and confronted them. Nehemiah Moms need to recognize attacks on their families. Dad is the main protector of his family, but Mom can be a great help to him in recognizing danger.
Persistence---Despite resistance, Nehemiah was persistent. He said to one who wanted to distract him, “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?” There are many good activities, causes and outright distractions to which Nehemiah Moms say, “I am doing a great work! I cannot come down!”
Purity---Nehemiah recognized that the rubble of the ruined walls was sapping the strength of the workers. Nehemiah also helped the Israelites to purge their families of forbidden foreign marriages. Nehemiah Moms recognize the strength-sucking role of clutter, and want nothing displeasing the Lord to be found in their families' homes and lives.
Praise---Nehemiah's prayers were full of praise. And when the wall was completed, he sent two choirs to rejoice and sing thanksgiving to the Lord as they walked up on the walls. What a delightful scene that must have been. Nehemiah Moms know the value of thanksgiving and praise. The Lord God is worthy of it, and our families need healthy doses of it as well.
God has used the book of Nehemiah to teach me many important wife/mothering skills over the years. Many of the articles found on this site give more detail about specific experiences. I pray that they are a blessing to you all.
Sharon Duke
April 1, 2006