God entrusted Nehemiah with a unique role. Nehemiah was a cupbearer. It would be really easy to see his job as insignificant. After all, if he were to drink something tainted, or even poisonous, he could be replaced. But what if we were to look beyond what seems obvious to man? Nehemiah saw purpose in what he did and was submissive to God.

God always had a plan and continually used Nehemiah as he placed his steps. God had a plan with a much bigger picture in mind. God opened the door for a relationship with the king in Nehemiah’s employment. He allowed Nehemiah to grow beyond a title and to be in the right place at the right time to gain knowledge. Nehemiah chose to humble himself before God and be broken before God. Nehemiah’s trust in God stood firm, and his faith grew stronger as he leaned on God’s Word to move him to action. As chapter 1 of Nehemiah closes, the end of verse 11 reads, “Now I was cupbearer to the king.” This final statement of the chapter resonates so much more than the fact of the words seen.

As I continue to reflect on Nehemiah’s incredible story, 1 Samuel 16:7 comes to mind:

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
— 1 Samuel 16:7

The book of Nehemiah begins with the life of a man called to an appointed place at an appointed time. He chose to see his moments as valuable. He chose to do something with the position he was given. God entrusted him. Nehemiah continued to serve and serve well.

God instructs us to do everything unto him:

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
— Colossians 3:22–24

God equips us:

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
— Ephesians 2:10

For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
— Philippians 2:13

God is with us:

But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength.
— 2 Timothy 4:17

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
— Joshua 1:9

How amazing it would be remember and walk in light of these truths every day we live! There is truly unspeakable joy when I begin to even try to take in the details of life, and rest assured that God has a purpose for each and every one! I need only serve him and follow wherever he leads, striving that whatever I do or leave behind would be seen as worship to God and God alone.