Living a Life of Impact: Faith Steps, First Steps

Over the last several days we have taken a look at what it means to have a God-given vision.  As we have examined this in the life of Nehemiah, we have given consideration as to what it means to receive such a vision and how we should respond.  We have also closely considered Nehemiah’s prayer response to God moving in his life.  Today we turn our attention to the pursuit of our God-given vision.  There comes a time when calling gives way to action.  However, we want to make sure that it is the right kind of action that we are involving ourselves in. 

One thing is clear, our first steps will be faith steps.  That is, we will often have to launch out without knowing fully what the future is going to look like.  This is precisely what we see in the life of Nehemiah.  He begins the pursuit of God’s call to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, but has no clear picture of what the future holds.  However, the things that Nehemiah gives his attention to (as delineated in chapter 2 of Nehemiah) serve to coach us as to where our focus should be early on.

Actively Wait

From the time Nehemiah first heard of the condition of Nehemiah (1:1), until he began to move (2:1), was a period of four months.  Clearly this period of waiting was not wasted.  It certainly appears that Nehemiah used this time for two activities: prayer and preparation.  When you find yourself in a time of waiting, don’t waste it, invest it.

Pray Persistently

Only two chapters into Nehemiah and already we get our second reference to prayer (v. 4).  The text seems to indicate that this prayer was a very short offering to the Lord.  However, it is important to note that Nehemiah’s shorter, more direct prayers, are offered upon a deeper foundation of prayer as we see in the first chapter of Nehemiah.

Plan Carefully

Nehemiah is asked (2:4-5) by the king what it is that he wants.  Nehemiah waste to time.  He has prayed and he has planned.  Nehemiah very quickly delineates a list of items that he needs.  As a result, the king obliges.  We, too, must always make sure that we have a plan and know what we need to make sure our God-given vision can become reality.

Expect Opposition

We read no further than Nehemiah 2:10 before his adversaries are introduced.  For the remainder of this book, Nehemiah will deal with these men and their friends.  It is a simple fact, that as you seek to serve the Lord, you will face opposition.  Do not grow discouraged.  View the opposition as an affirmation that you are headed in the direction God has called you.

Thoroughly Assess

By the end of chapter 2, Nehemiah finds himself in Jerusalem.  We are told that Nehemiah went out to survey the damage for himself (vs. 11-17).  Nehemiah wanted to determine exactly what lay ahead.  When pursuing God’s call in your life, make a habit of assessment.  Constantly assess the vision, the tasks, the job you and others are doing.  Assessment leads to success.

Cast Vision

Having seen God move, having obtained the resources he needed, and understanding the job that lay ahead, Nehemiah finally comes to the point he is ready to cast some vision.  He goes to the people (v. 17), and says, “Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer derision.”  We are further told that the people rose up and accomplished the task.  To lead people, you must become a great painter…a painter of vision that is.

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