Dave Ramsey, the financial advisor, describes two kinds of people. He says, "either life happens to you or you happen to life! It's your choice which one you want to be!" Ramsey then goes on to describe plans, structure and practices that are healthy to those who want to "happen to life."
God said, through Jeremiah (29:11), "I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future!" Jeremiah describes the best method of formulating a plan ... find out what God's plan entails! This is precisely where Nehemiah rested his hopes. Twice (Nehemiah 2:8 and 2:18) he says, "the gracious hand of God was on me." Nehemiah was convicted by God that there was a problem, convinced by God that action needed to be taken and consecrated by God for the work ahead. Here's what happened!
1. Nehemiah had a plan. Before he approached the king, Nehemiah had thought about the project. What would he need? If the king opened the door, what could Nehemiah reasonably ask? To rebuild, he would need materials and a place to live while the work was done. Nehemiah found God's plan!
2. Nehemiah needed permissions! Local governors needed to know that Nehemiah was not a self-appointed crusader that wanted to insert himself into the governance of the area. Nehemiah needed safe passage from where he was to where he was going. The country was rough and dangerous, so the king (obviously having respect for Nehemiah) sent officers and horsemen for protection. Nehemiah found God's provision!
3. Nehemiah needed to see the problem, first-hand. Judges will tell you that eyewitness accounts are notoriously inaccurate. So Nehemiah travelled to Jerusalem and walked the wall. He observed the destruction. He assessed the need. Then, he set out to make the work happen. Nehemiah focused on God's problem!
What are the God-problems and issues we need to work on? We might all give some different answers to this question, but we can learn from Nehemiah's leadership and God's word. So let's ask ... what does God most care about, right here at our little congregation? What can we "structure" that is connected to God's plan? Who do we need to include, so that we can all get "buy-in?" And, what does the problem look like when we actually take a close look?
In Nehemiah's story, he has endured a painful realization, a scary encounter with the king, some serious planning and soul-searching, some focused "asking," and a long, uncomfortable trip. He has seen an overwhelming problem first hand. Now, it is time to get to work! One of Nick Saban's quotes comes to mind as we move to the next part of the story ... "There are two pains in life. There is the pain of discipline and the pain of disappointment. If you can handle the pain of discipline, then you'll never have to deal with the pain of disappointment!" Good words I think! Randy
No comments:
Post a Comment