Nehemiah could have enjoyed the pleasures and the comfort of living in a palace, but that wasn’t enough for him. Sometimes, in order to follow the burden the Lord has placed on us, we must leave the comfort of our surroundings, friends, or position in order to go to the land unfamiliar but full of God’s harvest!
A Leader Must Catch God’s Vision
Nehemiah began his journey to Jerusalem. When he arrived, he went at night, along with a few others to personally assess the damage and the work needed to rebuild the wall. Nehemiah had to catch the vision alone, without anyone’s input/opinion, before he could lead others in the work God had given him to do.
Later on Nehemiah communicated the vision of rebuilding the wall to the Israelites. They began the work by having the priests build the Sheep gate. All the other various gates and walls were built by other Jewish families, each in cooperation and along side of other families. It was a beautiful picture of people who were willing to work with one another to complete the wall, starting with the priests. To rebuild/restore, God’s leaders must set the example for others!
Opposition Does Not Dissuade a Leader
Hear, O our God, for we are despised; turn their reproach on their own heads, and give them as plunder to a land of captivity! Do not cover their iniquity, and do not let their sin be blotted out from before You; for they have provoked You to anger before the builders. Nehemiah 4:4-45
The opposition started to rise against the building project. On one hand, Nehemiah kept interceding on behalf of the people. On the other hand, he was encouraging those who were weary and afraid. Finally it was decided that they would have to hold a weapon with one hand and work at construction with other hand.
This is where leaders tend to get discouraged because they think if this is the work God has given them, there shouldn’t be opposition to it. Nehemiah didn’t take any of the opposition personally, and neither did he become disillusioned or discouraged because of it. God had given him such a vision for the condition of the people and the ruined walls, that nothing was going to stop him from finishing the task!!
What are the burdens and/or tasks that God has given you? Have you been discouraged in fulfilling your assignment because there were too many barriers in your path? Do you still remember the vision God gave you concerning the situation? Does it still hold true? Would you recommit yourself to working on the task without losing heart? If it is God’s vision, He will do His part to bring the assignment to completion in His time!