SOFTHEARTED HARD HAT (CONCLUSSION). Are you a leader? Most people think that they are leaders, but real leadership is proven in adversity, in working through tough problems and painfull situations. When tough times come, many would - be leaders find they fall apart., Nehemiah was a proven leader. He left a secure position in the government to return to his homeland and rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He succeeded, too, despite incredible obstacles and opposition. We often dream of the glory and the praise of leadership, but we tend to forget about the turmoil and difficulty leadership can carry. God uses men and women who show the same tenacity that Nehemiah had. Unfortunately, not many people are like Nehemiah. In Nehemiah we see true leadership in action. let us ask God to help us become leaders like Nehemiah.. LESSONS FROM NEHEMIAH..........., First, honest observation is the beginning of dealing with a problem. Before there can ever be a solution, there must be detection. We have to diagnose whats wrong before it can be adressed. Nehemiah never lost the sensitivity to see things as they were. He looked around and saw compromising alliances, appalling financial habits, ill advised friendships that would ultimately take their toll, and general failure to obey the Word of God. Nehemiah just rolled up his sleeves and took each one on, one after another. Nehemiah knew, and I think many of us, if were honest would admit, that long- standing wrongs are not easily or quickly removed. It takes time, and it usually involves a struggle to uproot them from our lives. Often our elders are the first to point out those areas of sin and weakness and immaturity in our lives that need attention. If we dont begin to address those areas, and our offensive behavior continues, then someone else may point them our again. Lets open up to what the Lord may be trying to teach us. He may be using the tounge of another person to point out sin and weakness in our lives so that we might make changes. Change typically will not happen until the problem is detected, until it is honestly seen and confronted. The second lesson from Nehemiah is this:Correcting what is wrong demands fearless conviction. Im thinking mainly of our own convction, our own determination to change what needs to be changed. Nehemiah gives us a wonderful example of holding on to Gods leading in his life, no matter what the cost or the obstacles encountered. We can learn from his example as we live for the Lord. If we are going to make a difference in our homes, workplace community and world, it will require a fearless commitment to truth. We need to seek the Lords strength, set aside personal pride and serve the Lord with passion. By means of intense prayer, sincere fasting, strong determination and unyielding commitment we must stick to the task at hand. When, we do, God can, and will use us to make a greater difference than, we ever dreamed Third and finally, honest observation and fearless conviction must be tempered with authentic devotion. Nehemiah had a heart for God. He didnt go running around the Kings court demanding to be sent to Jerusalem. He simply got on his knees, sought the face of God and waited for Him to open,a door. He knew the work would be finished if Gods hand was eading. Therfore, Nehemiah waited on God every step of the way. He was a worker, no question about that-but first and formost, he was a man, of prayer. Can the same be said of you? Stay blessed
Posted on: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 14:36:45 +0000