Those who love God always place Him first and foremost in the narrative of their minds, to accomplish His bidding. Consider the cause and heart of Nehemiah. Notice that he was an ordinary man but had a heart for God’s people and their desperate plight. The Bible states, “The survivors who are left from the captivity in the province are there in great distress and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem is also broken down, and its gates are burned with fire.” (Nehemiah 1:3). Great leadership examples attentiveness. Nehemiah asked questions. He waited and learned of the people and their common distress. His prayer to Heaven would entail this present evil, and he would seek God for relief. Secondly, great leadership is proven in their prayers. Notice the heart of Nehemiah in verse five, “I pray, Lord God of heaven, O great and awesome God, You who keep Your covenant and mercy with those who love You and observe Your commandments”. This simple man, who trusted God, understood that all of mankind’s blessings come from up above (Psalm 121:1- 2). He did not hesitate in approaching God on behalf of himself or others in this grand concern. But also notice what preceded his prayer. The Bible states that Nehemiah “sat down”, he “wept”, and he “mourned” for MANY days. (Nehemiah 1:4). How often do the affections of our hearts go unattained because we are lackadaisical in our approach towards God? Are our prayers “hurried”? Are they “repetitious”? Are they “vain” due to a heart that has not been measured in grace first before bending the knee? (Luke 18:13). Thirdly, great leadership acknowledges that sin in the camp will compromise the work and blessings of God in this life (Nehemiah 1:7-8). He reminded them in the words of Moses that their God would not forget their sins and charge them to the third and fourth generations when deserving (Numbers 14:18). Finally, Nehemiah, like all God-fearing men in leadership roles, reminded the people to be obedient and receive the blessing. The Bible states, “if you return to Me, and keep My commandments and do them” (Nehemiah 1:8b). God’s love and salvation have ALWAYS been conditional. YES, salvation is “full and free”, but that is on God’s part, not ours (Mark 16:15-16). Nehemiah is another great in passion for God’s will and the completion of His work towards Israel. How about your work? How about your prayer life? Is it satisfactory to the God of Heaven who gave you this wonderful means of communication? If not, what are you missing out on? And what are you willing to sacrifice to gain a more bountiful connection with your Maker? What is often missing is that our eyes are not open and our ears are not attentive; thus, we believe God is unable, but this is not even close to the truth. In Him only can we place our complete trust. Are you asking God to be attentive to what your heart desires, but your heart is closed to Him? As Dr. Phil would ask, “How is that working out for you?” We all need mercy, but it begins in earnest prayer. Think about these things, and God Bless,
Dr. Archie R. Green, Ed.D.
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