(Nehemiah
2:1-10)
Nehemiah
demonstrated three qualities that a leader needs in order to
revitalize and renew the ministry of a church. The first of these is Patience.
Nehemiah
waited four months before an opportunity arose to present his plans
for rebuilding Jerusalem to the King. When a leader has a vision,
there is the immediate desire to proclaim it to the world. If this is
done too quickly, the results can be disastrous. Timing is vital to
the success of a new idea.
Nehemiah's
patience was rewarded when the King asked him what was wrong.
One-on-one conversations with the King were rare and often
unexpected. Nehemiah then demonstrated the second leadership quality
needed for revival:
Preparation.
During
the four months of waiting Nehemiah prayed and prepared. He had an
answer for all the King's questions. He knew how long it would take,
what documents were required and where to acquire the needed
construction material. Church leaders must likewise be prepared when
presenting plans to the church. Critics will blow holes in a plan
that is poorly presented, placing the leader in a defensive posture
that will carry over to the next big idea.
Like
Nehemiah, leaders need to be ready when an opportunity arises. One of
the marks of an effective church is how quickly it can take advantage
of a ministry opportunity. Had Nehemiah not been ready, it might have
been another four months before he was summoned by the King again.
The
third leadership quality needed for revival is the most essential.
Nehemiah relied on God's Providence.
God is always working behind the scenes. He places us right where He
wants us. God landed Nehemiah a job that gave him an inside track to
the King.
A
big job requires big faith. Nehemiah knew the King's heart had
to be changed. He had previously issued an order against rebuilding
the city of Jerusalem. Proverbs teaches, “In the Lord’s hand the
king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who
please him” (Proverbs 21:1). The King granted all of Nehemiah’s
requests.
Nehemiah
gave God all the glory. He
gave testimony to the goodness of God, “…and because the gracious
hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests” (Nehemiah
2:8).
Only
God could have brought about such a dramatic change in the King’s
mind and the Jerusalem's destiny. Nehemiah was meticulous in his
planning but it would not have been enough were it not for the Lord’s
perfect timing, constant guidance, and overruling provision.
God
has put in you in this place at this time. What you do and where you
are right now is no accident. What vision has God given you? Will you
follow the biblical example of Nehemiah?
The
wise man looks ahead.
Proverbs
14:8
Hand Me Another Brick
by Chuck Swindoll
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