Today’s reading: Nehemiah 4-6, Revelation 6
The Old Testament book of Nehemiah tells about the third return of God’s people to Jerusalem after they had been in captivity. While the temple had been restored many years earlier, the wall around the city was not rebuilt until Nehemiah tackled the project. He was a great leader. Despite threats, ridicule and slander from his enemies as well as conflict and discouragement from his own workers. Nehemiah pressed on. Through his careful planning, problem-solving, teamwork and perseverance, the wall that had been in shambles for 70 years was rebuilt in just 52 days. Protection and beauty was restored to God’s holy city.
The most important characteristic that set Nehemiah apart as a leader was that he was connected to God. Every time he encountered an issue or problem, Nehemiah stopped and talked to God before he took action. A few examples from today’s assigned reading:
- After being ridiculed by Tobiah and Sanballat, Nehemiah expressed his anger to God and prayed for justice to be served.
Hear us, our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads. Give them over as plunder in a land of captivity. Do not cover up their guilt or blot out their sins from your sight, for they have thrown insults in the face of the builders (Nehemiah 4:4-5).
- In the face of enemy threats, Nehemiah prayed for God for protection.
But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat (Nehemiah 4:9).
- Nehemiah put his trust in God while asking for strength to endure.
They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.” But I prayed, “Now strengthen my hands” (Nehemiah 6:9).
Whether you are tackling transformational projects or maintaining the status quo, whether you are managing others or serving as a personal contributor, God can use you to accomplish great things. Like Nehemiah, stay connected to him.