Does the Lord ever wake you up at night? The next time He has you up, spend a bit of time making an assessment of the damage done by the enemy.  Just as in Nehemiah’s day, the damage is extensive. You won’t want to carry the assessment as a burden, but rather, take time to talk privately with the Lord about it.

“I (Nehemiah) went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days I set out during the night with a few others. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem. There were no mounts with me except the one I was riding on. By night I went out through the Valley Gate toward the Jackal Well and the Dung Gate, examining the walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire. Then I moved on toward the Fountain Gate and the King’s Pool, but there was not enough room for my mount to get through; so I went up the valley by night, examining the wall. Finally, I turned back and reentered through the Valley Gate. The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, because as yet I had said nothing to the Jews or the priests or nobles or officials or any others who would be doing the work.”   (Nehemiah 2:11-16 NIV)

Why did Nehemiah go at night to assess the wall’s damage?  He wanted to see first hand the condition of the wall and make his own assessment without influence. Right now in America, there are a lot of voices making their case for what America needs.  We can take what we hear and come freely and privately to the Father.  After asking for His heavenly wisdom and discernment, we can take what He gives us, and turn it into a prayer back to Him.

From your private prayer place, in the quiet of the night, when it’s just you and God…. it’s a great opportunity for assessing, seeking discernment and praying.  “But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”   (Matthew 6:6)