As I have read through the book of Nehemiah the past couple of weeks, Nehemiah’s call to action has really stood out to me. Our ladies Bible study at Patterson Avenue is studying how to discover our SHAPE, which is one of the focuses of the Purpose Driven Life. We have discussed how to find out what ministry God is calling us to. I think Nehemiah is a terrific example of a guy who was just doing his job, working for the government, when God called him out for special service. That is one of those terms we don’t use much in the church anymore—“special service.” I suppose we have gotten away from it because we encourage people to know that everyone is a minister of the gospel. We don’t want anyone to feel like they are not called to serve.
Anyway, in the first chapter we can see the progression of God at work in Nehemiah’s heart to move him to action. Boy, this is my prayer for the church—that we would move into action rather than sit in the pew! At first, Nehemiah was just curious about how things were going in Jerusalem, and he started asking questions. I think he must have been expecting a positive report about Jerusalem, and when he heard bad news, it really caught him off guard. He sat down and wept. He was heartbroken over the devastation of Jerusalem, and he fasted and prayed for days. The chapter gives us a glimpse of what Nehemiah prayed about as he asked God to listen to his prayer. He confessed the sins of his people, and he took it personally and took responsibility. Even though Nehemiah had never been to Jerusalem, he included himself when he asked God to forgive their nation. He asked God to remember His covenant to Israel, and he begged God to remain faithful.
Then he decided to get involved. At the end of chapter one, Nehemiah prayed that God would give him success by granting him favor in the presence of the king. So, sometime during Nehemiah’s prayer and fasting, he moved from being grieved by the situation to choosing to do something about it. He made up his mind that he was going to turn in his two-week notice and leave for Jerusalem.
What keeps us from getting involved? Why do we pray about it and then forget it? Why do we talk and talk about doing ministry but then never get the job done? What are we waiting for? Nehemiah did not need someone to ask him to volunteer. God told him to go, and he obeyed. Nehemiah did not take any spiritual gift inventories so he could be assured that he was equipped to lead a building project. He was a cupbearer, a food taster for the king, not a wall builder. What qualified him for this huge undertaking? He felt God moving in his heart, and he yielded himself to the Holy Spirit moving him to action.
Let’s quit making it so hard to serve Jesus! When He pricks your heart, respond immediately. Quit throwing out the fleece over and over and over again to see if God is really serious when He tells you to do anything. Stop longing for affirmation from your Sunday school teacher, the pastor, your best friend, and your mom before you will answer the call. Just get ‘er done!!!!
Preach it, sister!! And all the people said, "AMEN!"
ReplyDeleteNehemiah is one of my favorites. I read a book about 20 yrs ago (when you were a kid!) by Chuck Swindoll called "Hand Me Another Brick" which is about Nehemiah and leadership. Very inspiring.
ReplyDeleteNehemiah was gifted to do what God called him to do and that was part of his success. Also, he was able to motivate the people because he identified with their need. I think the real power of his success was the time He spent in prayer seeking God and his motivation was the passion he had for his people and his country. We both know that true leaders are actually servants who give unselfishly of themselves to accomplish God's purpose regardless of the sacrifice or cost. How do we lead others to want to seek God's heart and come to the place where their heart breaks for the things that breaks God's heart and they are willing to do whatever He calls them to do, no matter what the sacrifice? I know, my own personal example would be a good place to start!....if I would step out of my safe zone.
Now, I do think things would have been different if Nehemiah would have arrived to find there were already people attempting to rebuild the wall. There could have definitely been a conflict of leadership. I don't think we can just jump off the deep end to "get 'er done" without considering the others around us who are working. The ability to build the wall in 52 days was enhanced by the unity of working together, each on his own section. Also, there is need to have approval from those in leadership if you are not in a leadership position. Nehemiah did not do anything until he had the King's permission.
Another thought I had was that Nehemiah didn't waste any time getting started. He took a couple of days to evaluate or assess the situation, prayed for guidance and gave direction to get started. He didn't drink coffee and spend time building friendships to make sure the people were ready for him to lead. The people had been living in the situation for a while and were discouraged because of the walls being destroyed. Yet, they were motivated by his leadership and direction. Sometimes people just need someone to come in, get them started in the right direction, and work beside them for a common purpose.
Thanks, Pam. I do agree that Nehemiah did the right thing by seeking approval and support from the king. Notice, however, that Nehemiah did not wait for the king to decide to travel to Jerusalem with him. He asked the king's permission; then he went to work. Also, Nehemiah did not wait for the king to have the idea of sending him to Jerusalem. Nehemiah heard God calling him, and he answered the call.
ReplyDeleteNehemiah did face opposition from the guys who thought they were in charge at Jerusalem in chapter 2 verse 10, "When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard about this, they were very much disturbed that someone had come to promote the welfare of the Israelites." So, what are your thoughts about what we should do when we hear God calling us to do something, but other people fuss because we are on their territory?
When we hear God calling us to do something, we also have to listen for his timing and his purpose, not just the task. David was anointed as king 14 years (or about that long I think) before he actually became king. David had opportunities to kill Saul or "move into the territory of the king" but he waited on God's timing. I think we must do the same.
ReplyDeleteSo my thoughts on what we should do when God calls us, but people fuss about their territory is pray. Seek God's timing. Seek HIS plan and purpose. Joseph was given a dream about the future and went through many trials before that dream came to pass. Imagine what might have happened if Joseph tried to make that dream happen before God's timing. Probably about as good of results as Abraham had when he took it in his own hands to have a child with Hagar rather than wait on God's timing. God used the time of waiting to shape and mold the character and faith of Abraham, Joseph, and David so they would be prepared when He was ready for them to fulfill His purpose. I pray for God to order my steps, open doors of opportunity when the time is right and remove any obstacles whether they are other people or flaws in my character that may stand in the way. Also, God could be using the waiting time to do something cool in the life of the "fussy" person. It is not always about me and what I want. I keep reminding myself it is His plan and purpose, not mine that is important.
PKD