Will you be a Nehemiah?

Nehemiah 1:4, "Now it came about when I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days; and I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven."

Nehemiah was moved by the things that moved God's heart.  He felt real compassion.  He allowed God to change his plans and redirect his goals.  It wasn't a passing thing.  He was committed to the cause God laid on his heart.  As a natural result, he turned to God for supernatural intervention and guidance.  He was diligent in prayer.  He knew that God was the one who could change the situation.

Nehemiah 1:6b, "I and my father's house have sinned."

Nehemiah didn't just see other's faults.  He realized that he too was a sinner in need of God's mercy.  Instead of looking down on others, he associated himself with them.

In Nehemiah 2:5, he makes a request to the king to rebuild.  Taking a bold step of faith, he did what he could do to change the situation.  He knew God uses his people who step out in obedience to Him to change the world around them.

 Nehemiah 2:18, "'Let us arise and build.'  So they put their hands to the good work."

He involved others in this joint effort which he could not accomplish on his own.  Sharing his vision with others, he made the need known, recruited helpers, and facilitated the response.

Nehemiah 6:16, "And it came about when all our enemies heard of it, and all the nations surrounding us saw it, they lost their confidence for they recognized that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God."

God will be working with us to accomplish His purposes, and the work will be greater than we imagined.  God will be glorified by the results.  Will you be a Nehemiah?  Perhaps you could join with EFCA's Mobilize Initiative or organize a short-term team.  Maybe God is calling you to step out and offer your gifts as an intern or staff member with TouchGlobal.  Maybe you are being led to develop a local outreach ministry to people in your community.  Ask God how He wants you to be involved.  Remember to start with prayer and allow God to lead you.