Lessons from Leaders
by John McGregor
Nehemiah 1:1-11
Perhaps my favorite leader in the Scriptures is Nehemiah. – He has an impossible task and call. So many enemies and challenges – even from God’s people – yet he is victorious, why? Surely I can get great lessons for life by looking at this man and how God touched him.
First I notice that in verse four there is a process that begins his journey to victory. The Bible says he STOPPED He sat down – stopped all activity. Paused before God no more self effort. We are always going and never get there, yet despite all our effort revival does not come.
Then as I look at this verse I see that he also WEPT. A broken and contrite heart God does not despise. Brokenness is a tremendous thing, when we are broken before God there is no more pretence that we can accomplish anything without Him. Brokenness has a promise attached to it see Ps. 126:5-6.
Our text says the next thing that Nehemiah did was he MOURNED. This teaches me that he had grief over sin (see Matt 5:4). Not just looking at the sin of others but considering himself a part of it. Grief can only be comforted by God. The heart cries out to God Jer. 29:13. Godly sorrow then leads us to repentance 2 Cor 7:10
This verse is a gold mine of teaching because Nehemiah did not stop there – he FASTED AND PRAYED. Often prayer costs us nothing and achieves nothing. He prayed under the burden of God. He met the Lord in preparation and prayed with purpose. We must learn to pray this way
Then as we begin this day with God let us apply these lessons from Nehemiah. We must take the time to stop our activities to hear from God. As we wait before Him he can break our hard hearts and help us to see the extent of sin which so easily besets us. He can meet us in prayer as we seek His face and it is such a joy to know His touch and see how His Spirit leads us to victory of sin and Satan and self.
Heavenly Father, I see the devastation of sin all around me, I so often just blame others for the condition of this world. But, Father, when I stop and really look at myself, I see just how far from you I have strayed in my heart. Like Nehemiah I know your word yet I have not loved and obeyed it. Father please forgive me. Help me to walk in victory with you over all the issues and things which hinder a deep intimacy with you. Just as you took Nehemiah at the point of brokenness, Lord touch my life and grant me the joy of seeing you at work in me today. I am yielded and still before you Father, touch me now, in Jesus Name I pray. Amen.
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