The First Step In Leadership
I had one of those - "well what do you know" - moments not to long ago. When our daughters were growing up, I would always tell them to build some fences around their lives to establish boundaries for their morals and character. Well, it became some what of a known thing that daddy was going to come out with his famous statement at times. Just a few weeks ago, our oldest grandson was preparing to leave the nest and go off to college. We were all together and talking about the situation when my daughter came out with - "remember to build your fences." I knew I had made an impact on their lives from seeing the morals and character each had. But it was really rewarding to see what had been impressed on them was now being passed on to their children.
Those fences, and in Nehemiah's case walls, can provide great protection when the attack arrows start bombarding us. For many of us, we have let the condition of our walls come to ruin because of neglect or compromise. They never seem to just crumble all at once, but with one brick or stone at a time. It's the little things that we sometimes never notice that begin to weaken us. Adding to this, we let our time with God slip slowly away until we don't even notice the bricks that are missing until it is almost too late. We then have to face the challenge of rebuilding our walls.
Nehemiah has been presented with the horrible condition of the walls around his homeland, Jerusalem. Because of his deep passion and concern, the report has left him with the decision on what should be his response. Given the same deep feelings and concerns, what would you think would be your first response? We might quit our job, head straight for Jerusalem, find who is at fault that the walls have not already been rebuilt, and hire the first contractor we can find.
But not Nehemiah. Starting with verse five of chapter one, we see Nehemiah's first response. Here he sets the example for all of us in undertaking any plan. Verse five states; "Oh Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps the covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands." Nehemiah sets the example that our first step in implementing a task is to first take it to God in prayer. Some years back, I set out to try and establish that I would never do anything out of impulse. I found this required a lot of discipline on my part, and on many occasions, discipline I did not have. I next attempted to pray before any decision or action. This, too, I found to be difficult in the mist of todays instant response culture.
As we read further, we find an amazing prayer delivered by Nehemiah. After recognizing God, he then humbles himself before God by not assuming that God is going to hear the prayer of this servant even though he is praying day and night, not only for himself, but for all the people of Israel. What an awesome position to take. Some would take the position that God is hearing the prayers of all his children. But I am sure there are those of us who, at times, question if God is really hearing our prayers. Nehemiah, however, is so passionate and devoted to his cause that he takes the extra step in pleading to God to hear his prayer. Then, as with any great leader, Nehemiah takes responsibility for being part of the problem rather than blaming it on everyone else.
In verses eight and nine, he uses scripture to quote promises that God has made for his people. God's word contains hundreds of promises, promises that we can use to build our faith and bring our will into accord with His will. But then, Nehemiah makes what we may render as an unusual or awkward request - he prays for success. When we are undertaking a task, do we feel comfortable in asking God for success in our venture? Also, notice before the request, Nehemiah again asked God to hear this particular part of his prayer. Asking for success may sound self centered or worldly, but we must remember God wants us to succeed in the causes He gives us. Our job is to do our best to bring about that success. Having our prayers answered and accomplishing things, brings great honor and glory to God.
Why should prayer be our first step? Prayer teaches us to wait on God rather than acting out of impulse. It clears our vision so that we are seeing what God sees. Prayer also quietens our heart so that our trust is in Him and worry and anxiousness fade. But for the most part, prayer strengthens our faith in God so that when it is done, all we can say is to God be the glory, great things He has done. Great leaders pray, then lead.
