Part 1 of this two-part series is here.
A bit of wise, if somewhat cliche, advice suggests, “God is in control, but He doesn’t expect you to lean on a shovel and pray for a hole.” The proverb suggests that the Lord’s sovereignty does not absolve people of their responsibility. And it is right.
Nehemiah modeled a healthy balance between preparation and prayer as he began the work of rebuilding the Jerusalem wall. Even during displacement in Persia, he sought out the heavenly King before pursuing the blessing of the Gentile king.
Upon making requests of Artaxerxes, Nehemiah the cupbearer found that the Master had heard and answered his prayers. The emperor of his exile had agreed to provide letters for safety and materials for construction; in addition, the Persian army traveled alongside the wall builder for protection.
What had been the origin of these resources? Undoubtedly, the “good hand” of Elohim rested upon Nehemiah, ensuring that His intentions came to pass (2:8).
Receiving confirmation from his petitions, the Lord’s servant began to devise a plan that would remove Jerusalem’s disgrace. Nehemiah took steps that all believers, especially Christian leaders, must follow as we endeavor to serve the Savior.
We must observe our surroundings. Riding after dark and without any fanfare, Nehemiah examined the demolished walls and charred gates (2:13). Because they protected both the city and the temple, the place where Yahweh’s presence resided, the broken-down barricades brought a particular shame to the people of the covenant.
Though unsettling, these findings provided the information necessary for the next step of the plan.
We must organize the saints. While his observation painted an unpleasant picture, Nehemiah did not allow discouragement to stop the work. Rather, he included others whom he would direct in reconstructing the city’s fortification.
By sharing the Lord’s vision for reestablishing Jerusalem, Nehemaih recruited others to work cooperatively (2:17-18). Every person would have a purpose. Some worked with stones, some with timbers. Some of the residents held swords to provide defense. All of the builders kept their weapons strapped to their sides (4:18).
While he was no pastor, Nehemiah had certainly prepared God’s people for the work to which He had called them (Ephesians 4:12).
We must oppose selfishness. Without fail, a work of the Lord will face resistance, and this one was no different (2:19-20). Whether it challenges their tradition, position or authority, someone will always stand against such a movement.
Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem took such a stance. They demonstrated such hatred that they were willing to slander those who worked and their leader, even hinting that they might be guilty of revolting (2:20). Of course the Israelites were not rebelling against King Artaxerxes! Instead, they worked with his blessing and provisions.
Rather than seeking to reason with the unreasonable, Nehemiah simply reminded them that his and the others’ success would come from their God. They would indeed build, and He would bless them.
As we view the state of the world and, sadly, much of the church today, we can find plenty of sources of discouragement. But God is never frustrated. As we submit ourselves to His work, organizing with other believers and refusing to let self-centeredness interfere, He will work within us “to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20).
William Dooley is a teacher, campus ministry leader and church planter. He is the chairman of the board of directors of the Bivocational and Small Church Leadership Network (BSCLN)
