Nehemiah was the cupbearer for King Artaxerxes (Neh. 1:1). Being a cupbearer meant being in a prestigious position. But Nehemiah did not let his position or his comfort influence his commitment to God. Nehemiah’s practice illustrates what is necessary to get God’s work done.
Nehemiah had a burden. “I sat down and wept and mourned for days,” He said (Neh. 1:4). “And I continued fasting and praying.” Before we can accomplish God’s work, we must have a burden for the work. That burden will drive us to our knees. It should. There must be prayer involved in God’s work. As Nehemiah wept before God (for days), he had bloodshot eyes.
Nehemiah had a vision. “Send me to Judah…that I may rebuild it,” he begged the king (Neh. 2:5). His goal was to see the walls of Jerusalem rebuilt (Neh. 2:17, 18). The people shared his vision (Neh. 2:17, 18). They, too, “had a mind to work” (Neh. 4:6). Because the vision was so real, the goal was reached in fifty-two days (Neh. 6:15). We, too, must have a vision to strive for, i.e. a goal to work toward.
Nehemiah made a sacrifice. He had a comfortable job in comfortable surroundings. He was with the king and not exposed to physical labor. His hands got soft. Yet, Nehemiah went to Jerusalem and put his hands to the task. Consequently, he made blisters on those soft, unexercised hands.
If we, as Nehemiah, have these three elements, God’s work will be done. This attitude moves mountains, grows congregations, and accomplishes great things.
–Andy