Prayer & Action
The story of Nehemiah in the Bible is so inspiring for today’s Christians and especially if you value leadership. This chapter is a model for all leaders no matter where you work or what you do!
Nehemiah was a man of character, persistence, and most of all prayer. He was a brilliant planner, organizer, and motivator who God blessed greatly. Under his leadership, the wall of Jerusalem was rebuilt in 52 days – which seemed at that time to be an “impossible task” for the Jews. #teamwork
When we think of leaders in the workplace, in ministry, or at home – we often think of people with tons of power & authority. Well this man had little power or authority but he had great influence with the King. He was a man of God who was concerned deeply for the fate of Jerusalem. I encourage you to go read this book when you have time, it will bless you as a leader for God.
What I love most about his story are the following two things:
1. He stayed calm in the face of opposition
2. His first step in any venture he took was to pray
As Christian leaders do we stay calm when we face opposition?
This is definitely something I ask for help with from the Holy Spirit daily. Staying calm in opposition is not a strength of mine yet, but I am praying for help! When we are mocked or criticized for doing what we know is right as a leader, we must stay calm and refuse to become discouraged or attack back. (So hard sometimes, but this is God’s way – stay calm!)
This is where prayer becomes our lifeline to God. In times of opposition, stop and tell God how you are feeling and ALWAYS remember that as Christians His promise is He is with us – all day – every day! This will give you the strength and courage to carry on with your plan. Prayer can be done right at your desk or as a good work friend told me yesterday – “go into the restroom and pray in the stall.” But remember to pray immediately vs reacting to opposition.
Nehemiah was called to a task by God to rebuild the wall, he fasted and prayed and the King supported him because of his character and influence. Truly, “The gracious hand of God was on him.” (Neh 2:8)
When God puts something on your heart, we have to acknowledge it. I learned that he also shared what God laid on his heart to the King, trusting God to impress similar thoughts within the King. (Ah ha for me!) We need to share what God puts on our hearts with others, especially our leaders at work and trust God to work out the support.
Many times as Christians we know we are to do something but we hesitate because of fear. Fear of failing, fear of being told no, or maybe even fear of rejection. Nehemiah had some fear, but he refused to allow fear to stop him from what God had called him to do. (What an inspiration!!)
So…for all the leaders out there in the workplace, ministry, or working from home – leadership takes prayer, planning, teamwork, problem solving , and courage to get the work done. Prayer with no action does not lead to results. Nehemiah had tremendous faith but he never avoided the extra work necessary for good leadership. #leadershiplesson
Keep prayer in the forefront of your day. Pray during both difficult times and joyful times – be thankful to God in whatever situation you are facing. Keep that prayer life line open to our God and then take action. Heartfelt prayers and conversations with God can help clarify problems you are facing, clarify God’s great power to help you, and clarify the job you have to do.
When God’s people pray, difficult decisions fall into proper perspective, and appropriate actions follow.
Be the leader who encourages and inspires others to get God’s work done even when it seems impossible – this my friends will take prayer and action.
Stay Rooted,
Lisa & Heather
