It
is said that a leader is "someone going somewhere with someone
following". Really, that is every one of us!
In
studying the book of Nehemiah, often referred to as one of the books of
restoration, we see these twenty-one characteristics of leadership in his
life. My prayer is, "God, continue to raise up
effective leadership in and for Your church in our day. Please
forgive us for any failure we may have made and renew in us a fresh passion to
lead our generations according to Your plan and purpose even as You did in
Israel's history under the leadership of Your chosen servant
Nehemiah."
1) He established reasonable and obtainable goals.
2) He had a sense of mission.
3) He was willing to become involved.
4) He rearranged his priorities in order to accomplish his goals.
5) He patiently waited for God's timing.
6) He showed respect to his superior.
7) He knew how to pray in crucial times.
8) He knew how to make his requests with tact and graciousness.
9) He was always prepared and aware of his needs in advance.
10)
He always went through the proper channels.
11)
He made time to rest, pray and plan. ( three days)
12)
He investigated the situation "first handed"
13)
He informed others only after he personally knew the size of the
problems.
14)
He identified himself as being one with the people, not above them.
15)
He was able to set before them a reasonable and obtainable goal.
16)
He confidently assured them that God was with them to enable them to accomplish
His purpose.
17)
He displayed his confidence and faith by how he was facing the obstacles before
them.
19)
He refused to argue with his opponents.
20)
He was not discouraged even though he faced some opposisition.
21)
He, with Godly courage, used His God given authority with humility and great
faith, knowing he was doing God's will.
May
the anointing, faith and courage of Nehemiah rest upon the church of Jesus
Christ in our generation. May we, like Nehemiah, be God's people
of restoration and may we face the challenges of our generation with the same
humility and faith as Nehemiah. May we be the God-anointed,
God-equipped leaders He has called and anointed us to be. May we
look upward and then forward, knowing our help comes from the Lord our
God. He will not fail us as we do His will in our
season.
Be
blessed, be anointed with fresh oil and be filled with His power and
faith.
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