So I came to Jerusalem and was there three days. And I arose in the night, I and a few men with me. I did not tell anyone what my God was putting into my mind to do for Jerusalem and there was no animal with me except the animal on which I was riding. So I went out at night by the Valley Gate in the direction of the Dragon’s Well and on to the Refuse Gate, inspecting the walls of Jerusalem which were broken down and its gates which were consumed by fire.
Nehemiah 2:11-13
Do you believe God has a specific strategy for everything He does or that He is haphazard in His work? If you said yes to the first option, then you must go back to God and get the strategy and details for the vision He is leading you to walk out. When God plants a vision in you for your life or career or puts a work to be done on your heart, He also has insight about the person or the circumstances you will face. For the work Nehemiah was about to embark on, consider the process God led him through before the work began.
1. Nehemiah prayed in the micro-moments at work before, during, and likely after conversations. Nehemiah prayed to God before his moment to make the big ask of the king. He “paused” by practicing the 3-second rule, allowing God to weigh in and direct His answer. Whom do you need to practice the “3-second pause” with in conversation?
2. Nehemiah architected his plans with God privately before sharing them publicly with the king or his team. Nehemiah, when answering the king, had detailed plans with an outline of a timeline so as to infuse confidence and win favor with the king. When meeting with the kings of this world, kings won’t extend their authority and influence to you unless you can demonstrate competence. Delegating responsibility or extending influence to “unproven” people or those who are not good planners is too much risk for them.
3. Nehemiah walked the ground secretly at night, away from the big crowds, so he could survey the work undisturbed. Leaders always survey the terrain before putting their hand to the plow so they can see what God sees, hear what God wants them to hear, and feel what God feels for the work He has called them to. The more time you invest planning in private with God, the more you will produce when it’s time to take action. Every vision faces resistance; walking the ground ahead of time will allow God to whisper insights into your spirit. Naysayers always surround the work and purposes of God, so keep quiet what you need to keep quiet.
4. Nehemiah spoke God’s words. Nehemiah shared with his inner circle about the process God had brought him through with the king and how God had granted him favor to persuade the king. When enlisting support, saying what God said to you is what persuades people to follow. When what you say out loud is the same as what God whispered in the Spirit, people will hear God speaking through you.
5. Nehemiah knew what to share with people and what NOT to share with people. Some things that God shares are between you and God only; discern the difference.
Doing as Nehemiah did will give you insights into how God likes to work with wall builders. What wall is God calling you to build in your life during this season?
REFLECT TO CONNECT
- What can you learn from Nehemiah for an important meet- ing you have coming up?
- What “ground” does God want you to walk as Nehemiah did so He can survey the land with you?
- Have you ever practiced the 3-second rule, allowing the pause to mute your emotions so God can speak to you in a micro-moment?
The more time you invest planning in private with God, the more you will produce when it’s time to take action.
