Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of recognizing God's hand in all circumstances, as demonstrated by Nehemiah's response to the dire state of Jerusalem. Nehemiah's sorrow led him to prayer, prompting the king to grant him permission to restore and rebuild the city, which aligns with God's prophetic timeline. The sermon explores the prophetic 'seventy sevens' from Daniel, culminating in the coming of the Messiah and the implications of the age of grace, where God's plan continues to unfold through the church. Smith highlights that God's timeline was paused at the crucifixion, allowing for the gathering of the church before the final events unfold.