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You have to be dissatisfied with your current situation. Make a plan.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Pray and ask God for favor.
Nehemiah 1:11 Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.” I was cupbearer to the king.
Prepare for an opportunity.
Nehemiah 2:1 (TLB) Four months later, as I was serving the king his wine he asked me, “Why so sad? You aren’t sick, are you? You look like a man with deep troubles.” (For until then I had always been cheerful when I was with him.) I was badly frightened. (Edited)
Proverbs 13:16 (TLB) A wise man thinks ahead. (Edited)
Expect fear but don’t let it stop me.
Nehemiah 2:2 So the king asked me, “Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart.” I was very much afraid.
Establish a life plan.
Set a deadline.
Nehemiah 2:6 Then the king, with the queen sitting beside him, asked me, “How long will your journey take, and when will you get back?” It pleased the king to send me; so I set a time.
Anticipate barriers.
Proverbs 27:2 Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips.
James 4:2 You do not have because you do not ask. (Edited) (Pic of our church building being built)
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Proverbs 21:1 In the LORD’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him.
Trust God to meet all my needs.
Nehemiah 2:8 Because the gracious hand of my God was on me, the king granted my requests. (Edited)
Proverbs 16:1 To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue.