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Sermon Title: “The Good Hand of God Upon Me”

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Text: Nehemiah 2:1–11

Delivered by Pastor Josh at Forward for Christ Baptist Church in Luray, VA 22835 (February 8, 2026)

Local Message Highlight
If you are searching for a Bible-preaching church near Luray, VA, this message from Nehemiah 2 points to what the church truly needs: the Lord’s help and the Lord’s favor. Nehemiah’s burden for God’s people could not be ignored, and God opened a door at the right time. The sermon calls believers to live and serve under “the good hand of my God,” with courage to pray, wisdom to move forward, and faith to face opposition without backing down.

What This Sermon Covers
From Nehemiah 2:1–11, the message follows Nehemiah as God turns a burden into a building assignment. First, the good hand of God puts His servant in the right place at the right time, positioning Nehemiah before the king when the moment comes. Second, the good hand of God gives courage, shown when Nehemiah prays in the moment, stands without fear, and asks plainly for what is needed to do the work. Third, the good hand of God gives wisdom, teaching Nehemiah to assess the situation carefully, communicate the burden clearly, and rally God’s people for the work ahead. The sermon also warns that opposition will rise when God’s work begins, but the Lord remains able to prosper His servants. The message closes with a direct Gospel invitation for any who are not saved, and a call for believers to seek God’s continued guidance so His hand stays upon their life and upon the church.

Why Visit Forward for Christ Baptist Church in Luray, VA?
Forward for Christ Baptist Church is a King James Bible-believing church serving Page County and the Shenandoah Valley with clear preaching, traditional worship, and a desire to see souls saved and believers strengthened. If you are looking for a church family that takes prayer seriously, preaches the Bible plainly, and encourages God’s people to rise up and serve, you are welcome here.

Questions and Answers

Quick sermon takeaways from Nehemiah 2:1–11 (Key verse: Nehemiah 2:8), built for clarity and easy reading.

What is the main point of the 2/08 sermon?

The main emphasis is Nehemiah 2:8, “according to the good hand of my God upon me.” The sermon shows how God’s good hand puts His people in the right place, gives courage to pray and speak, and supplies wisdom to move forward in God’s work.

What does “the good hand of my God upon me” mean in Nehemiah 2:8?

It means God’s favor, guidance, and help are actively at work. Nehemiah could not force open doors on his own, but God moved the king’s heart and supplied what was needed, proving the work was being directed by the Lord.

Why was Nehemiah sad before the king, and why did it matter?

Nehemiah carried a burden for Jerusalem, because the city and its walls were still in ruin. The king noticed his sorrow, and that moment became God’s opening for Nehemiah to speak, showing how God can turn burden into opportunity.

What does the sermon teach about praying “in the moment”?

When the king asked, “For what dost thou make request?” Nehemiah did not rush ahead in the flesh. He prayed to the God of heaven first. The sermon applies this: when pressure rises and decisions matter, prayer should be our first move, not our last resort.

What kind of courage did Nehemiah need in Nehemiah 2?

He needed courage to stand before authority, courage to ask plainly for help, and courage to keep moving even when opposition appeared. The sermon stresses that God’s work often requires bold obedience, and God supplies courage when His hand is upon you.

Why did Nehemiah request letters and timber from the king?

Nehemiah asked for what was necessary to complete the assignment: protection while traveling and resources to rebuild. The sermon highlights that this was not selfish asking, it was wise planning, and God used the king to provide what the work required.

Who opposed Nehemiah, and what does their reaction teach?

Sanballat and Tobiah were grieved that someone came “to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.” The sermon teaches that when God’s people start rebuilding and caring about what matters, opposition often shows up quickly.

What does the sermon say about wisdom before action?

Nehemiah arrived, waited, and assessed the situation rather than rushing blindly. The sermon applies this to believers and churches: God’s good hand gives wisdom to observe, plan, and move forward the right way, not just the fast way.

How does this sermon connect to the church’s mission today?

The message calls the church to carry real burdens, pray with seriousness, and serve with courage because God still sends His people to “seek the welfare” of others. The sermon presses that God’s work requires unity, participation, and dependence on the Lord.

What is the invitation at the end of the sermon?

The sermon calls lost sinners to come to Christ, because the safest place is in the Lord’s hand by salvation. It also calls believers to come seeking God’s direction, courage, and wisdom, asking the Lord to keep His good hand upon their life and the church.

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