Truly living a life of impact begins with a God-given vision. True vision cannot be generated from within, but must be given by God. However, we can be certain that God has such a plan or vision for us. Psalm 139:16 says, "Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them." God has - and has had - a plan for your life since before you were born.
The question for us is, "How do I discover this plan?" In chapter one of Nehemiah we once again see a pattern that we can apply to our lives to get where God would have us to be.
1. A casual inquiry - In Nehemiah 1:1 we see Nehemiah ask a seemingly simple question. He says, "I asked them concerning the Jews who escaped, who had survived the exile, and concerning Jerusalem." Pretty much an ordinary question; basically, "how's Jerusalem."
2. A problem revealed - The answer Nehemiah gets to his question is a disturbing one. He is told that the walls are down, the city is in ruins, and the people are vulnerable. Someone needed to go to Jerusalem and rebuild the walls.
3. A heart that is broken - Nehemiah shares with us that when he heard the condition of Jerusalem that he wept and mourned for days (1:4). God had used a simple question, and its answer, to break Nehemiah's heart and reveal is life purpose.
4. A spiritual response - Nehemiah stood at a cross roads. How would he respond? He tells us that he, "Continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven" (1:4). His response was to approach God. He did not rush into action or do something hastily, he sought the face of God.
5. A position held - Though he did not realize it at the time, Nehemiah held a very strategic position. he was the cup bearer to the king (1:11). This position would turn out to be key in Nehemiah's success. We must remember that we do not hold the position we have, the job we have, or the relationships that we have by accident. God has strategically placed us to do what He has willed in our lives.
Just as God moved in the life of Nehemiah, He desires to move in our lives. Pay attention to what God is doing around you; you never know when something as simple as a question will reveal God's will for your life. As God begins to make needs around you clear, pay attention, you may be the one God is calling to act. However, expect to have your heart broken. God rarely allows us to remain detached and unemotional. Pray carefully, and then capitalize on the opportunities God gives you.
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