“So, I went out at night…” (Nehemiah 2:13a).
“After an all-night march from Gilgal, …” (Joshua 10:9a).

~ Nehemiah got some bad news about the city of Jerusalem being in ruins and prayed about it. Then he took up the matter with the king, praying even as he did, and got green signals to head to Jerusalem.

It was all a prayer answer. He received permission to go, letters for safe passage, and letters for timber to rebuild. The king even sent commanders of the military force and horsemen to accompany him.

Providence had spoken. God made a way for Nehemiah to begin reconstruction. Yet, when he arrived, he did not rush in. Instead,

“So, I went out at night by the Valley Gate in the direction of the Dragon’s Spring and on to the Dung Gate, inspecting the walls of Jerusalem which were broken down and its gates which were consumed by fire. Then I passed on to the Spring Gate and the King’s Pool, but there was no place for my animal to pass. So, I went up at night by the ravine and inspected the wall. Then I turned and entered the Valley Gate and turned around. Now the officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing; nor had I as yet told the Jews, the priests, the nobles, the officials, or the rest who were doing the work” (Neh. 2:13-16).

Even though Nehemiah had the go-ahead from God, it was not grounds to act rashly. He did his due diligence. Nehemiah was not passive. He filled out providence with careful action.

We see something similar in Joshua’s life:

“So, Joshua marched up from Gilgal with his entire army, including all the best fighting men. The Lord said to Joshua, ‘Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hands. Not one of them will be able to withstand you.’ After an all-night march from Gilgal, Joshua took them by surprise” (Josh. 10:8-9).

When five kings allied against Gibeon, Israel’s allies, they sought Joshua’s help. God assured Joshua of victory, yet Joshua still strategized and acted decisively. He did not presume upon the outcome.

Point: God’s providence may move in some pretty dramatic ways in your life. Yet this is never grounds for passivity or presumption. You still act. You do not lie back, do nothing, and say “God’s got this,” nor do you rush in without thinking and planning. Providence and action walk together.