The Making of a Leader
Text: Neh. 1:4-11
4 As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. 5 And I said, “O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father's house have sinned. 7 We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses. 8 Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples, 9 but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of heaven, from there I will gather them and bring them to the place that I have chosen, to make my name dwell there.’ 10 They are your servants and your people, whom you have redeemed by your great power and by your strong hand. 11 O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.”
Now I was cupbearer to the king.
Introduction
Typically, it is only the successful accomplishment of a leader’s life that we give attention to. Seldom do we pay attention to the journey a leader went on to accomplish what they did in their life. We admire their victories, but we often overlook the struggles, setbacks, and refining moments that shaped them along the way.
Nehemiah became a godly governor who led the Israelites into a season of revival. He did not start out that way, though. In this book, we gain insight into his leadership journey and how he was made into the leader that he became. His story reminds us that leadership is not simply about position or power—it is about character, conviction, and obedience to God’s call.
God made Nehemiah into a leader through an internal calling and vision, through prayer, and through action. Before he ever laid a stone in the walls of Jerusalem, he was burdened with a deep concern for his people. This burden was not self-imposed but came from God’s prompting, stirring his heart to take action. Leadership often begins with a God-given vision, a sense of urgency to address a problem that others may ignore.
However, vision alone is not enough. Nehemiah responded to this calling with prayer. Rather than rushing into action immediately, he spent time seeking God’s guidance, confessing sins, and aligning his heart with God’s will. His prayers were not just routine petitions—they were fervent, faith-filled, and deeply dependent on God’s sovereignty. Leadership that lacks a foundation of prayer quickly falters, but Nehemiah’s example teaches us that true leadership is first forged in the presence of God.
Finally, Nehemiah acted. Vision and prayer must lead to faithful steps of obedience. He took risks, navigated opposition, and worked tirelessly to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls. He faced resistance from enemies, discouragement among his own people, and the weight of responsibility, yet he pressed on with faith and determination. His leadership was not about personal ambition but about serving God and His people with unwavering commitment.
Nehemiah’s journey teaches us that godly leadership is not instantaneous; it is cultivated through calling, prayer, and action. His story challenges us to consider our own lives—what burdens has God placed on our hearts? Are we seeking Him in prayer? And are we willing to step forward in obedience, even when challenges arise? Like Nehemiah, we are called to trust in God’s faithfulness as He shapes us into the leaders He desires us to be.
Made From the Inside
Nehemiah’s extraordinary leadership journey in Israel began when he received a vision while still living in Susa. In fact, he had never actually been to Jerusalem, as he was born during the exile. God sent a messenger to report that the walls of Jerusalem had been destroyed, leaving his people vulnerable to their enemies. The broken walls broke his heart, igniting a vision for what he must do.
This internal vision compelled him to push through fear as he approached the king, to sacrifice his prestigious position as a cupbearer, to overcome fierce opposition, and to work tirelessly as a hands-on builder. The vision that God gave him fueled his courage, determination, and perseverance. His heart was not for personal gain but to serve and protect his people. Godly leaders are inwardly motivated, not for self-advancement, but for the purpose of serving others.
Far too often in the church, we become obsessed with the task at hand rather than the greater vision we have been called to fulfill. This is a critical mistake. When our focus shifts to mere activity rather than the purpose behind it, we risk losing sight of God’s greater plan. Recently, I came across a quote that captures the essence of why vision is so important:
"If you want to build a ship, don’t summon people to buy wood, prepare tools, distribute jobs, and organize the work, rather teach people the yearning for the wide, boundless ocean."-Antoine de Saint-Exupery
The why is far more important than the how. Too often, we focus on the practical steps and the details of how things should be done, but we miss the bigger vision behind it all. As leaders, we need to make sure we are leading with purpose—casting a compelling vision for what God is calling us to accomplish. When the why is clear, the how will follow.
It’s like being in the ocean and summoning others to build a ship. Instead of getting caught up in the construction, we need to invite people to experience the vastness of the ocean itself. The vision is not about the ship or the specific task at hand—it’s about the purpose and the journey that God is leading us on. When we focus on the vision, people will be compelled to follow, and together we will step into what God has in store for us.
Let us lead with a clear vision, inspiring others not just to accomplish tasks, but to walk boldly in the mission God has given us. Your life—and the lives of those around you—will be forever changed when you embrace the greater vision of God's work in the world.
Made From the Knees Up
After Nehemiah received his vision, his first response was to pray. How often is that our first response? When something goes wrong, we often try to fix it ourselves. This is a lesson I’ve learned the hard way.
Several years ago, during the church planting assessment, I was asked to cast my vision before a group of pastors. At the end of my presentation, one pastor asked, “What is the least we could do for you?” My response was, “Pray.” Thankfully, one of the pastors gave me a proverbial backhanded slap, reminding me that prayer is the most important thing someone can do for you. He was absolutely right. Over the years, God has shown me just how vital this is. There have been too many moments to count where I’ve witnessed God answer prayer—often in extraordinary ways.
When Nehemiah prayed, there were several key elements to his prayer:
Nehemiah is a great example of being a person of prayer, and he serves as a type and shadow of the One who exemplified the perfect prayer life—Jesus. Jesus was perfect in every way, and His prayer life was perfectly aligned with the will of the Father. Jesus often took time away to pray, setting a model for us to follow.
When Jesus was about to raise Lazarus from the dead, He prayed (John 11). He prayed over His disciples and the future church (John 17), which includes you and me. When faced with the death penalty in order to atone for the sins of humanity, He prayed. Even while hanging on the cross, He prayed. And right before He died, He prayed, declaring, “It is finished.”
Now, Jesus takes our imperfect prayers and presents them perfectly to God the Father. He invites us to follow His example, to pray with the same heart of submission, and He promises us what will happen when we pray:
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”-Matt. 7:7-8
Conclusion: Made From the Action Out
Nehemiah ended his prayer with a plea for God to use him as an answer to that very prayer. He didn’t just ask God to act; he was willing to be the vessel through which God would work. Nothing happens until God’s people are willing to step out in faith. Before Joshua began his conquest of the land of Canaan, the Israelites had to cross the Jordan River. Yet, the river didn’t part until Joshua took the first step into the water. It was only when they moved in faith that God responded with His miraculous power. The same is true for Christians today—when we take that step in faith, that’s when we will see God move.
Leaders in God’s work would do well to remember this principle. Prayer is primary, but not just any prayer—prayer that aligns with action. It’s not enough to pray theoretically, as if we’re waiting for God to do all the work. True prayer involves the conviction, “I’m available, Lord—ready and willing.” It’s not a passive prayer asking for others to act but an active prayer that says, “Use me.” This kind of prayer expects to be an answer to God’s call, not just to wait for someone else.
Action is always tied to inconvenience, sacrifice, and sometimes even criticism. The easy thing in life is to say nothing, do nothing, and accomplish nothing. But that is not the way of godly leadership. A godly leader is made by God through vision, prayer, and action. Vision sets the direction, prayer fuels the journey, and action brings it to fruition. Leaders must be willing to step into the unknown, knowing that obedience to God’s call often requires us to face discomfort and opposition.
Leaders in the Kingdom must remember that faith without works is dead (James 2:26). God is looking for those who will act on the vision He gives them, even when the path is unclear. A leader who is only willing to pray but unwilling to act is like someone who stands by the riverbank, waiting for the water to part, but never steps into the river themselves. But those who move in faith—despite the inconvenience, the sacrifice, and the criticism—will see God work in ways that only He can.
4 As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. 5 And I said, “O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father's house have sinned. 7 We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses. 8 Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples, 9 but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of heaven, from there I will gather them and bring them to the place that I have chosen, to make my name dwell there.’ 10 They are your servants and your people, whom you have redeemed by your great power and by your strong hand. 11 O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.”
Now I was cupbearer to the king.
Introduction
Typically, it is only the successful accomplishment of a leader’s life that we give attention to. Seldom do we pay attention to the journey a leader went on to accomplish what they did in their life. We admire their victories, but we often overlook the struggles, setbacks, and refining moments that shaped them along the way.
Nehemiah became a godly governor who led the Israelites into a season of revival. He did not start out that way, though. In this book, we gain insight into his leadership journey and how he was made into the leader that he became. His story reminds us that leadership is not simply about position or power—it is about character, conviction, and obedience to God’s call.
God made Nehemiah into a leader through an internal calling and vision, through prayer, and through action. Before he ever laid a stone in the walls of Jerusalem, he was burdened with a deep concern for his people. This burden was not self-imposed but came from God’s prompting, stirring his heart to take action. Leadership often begins with a God-given vision, a sense of urgency to address a problem that others may ignore.
However, vision alone is not enough. Nehemiah responded to this calling with prayer. Rather than rushing into action immediately, he spent time seeking God’s guidance, confessing sins, and aligning his heart with God’s will. His prayers were not just routine petitions—they were fervent, faith-filled, and deeply dependent on God’s sovereignty. Leadership that lacks a foundation of prayer quickly falters, but Nehemiah’s example teaches us that true leadership is first forged in the presence of God.
Finally, Nehemiah acted. Vision and prayer must lead to faithful steps of obedience. He took risks, navigated opposition, and worked tirelessly to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls. He faced resistance from enemies, discouragement among his own people, and the weight of responsibility, yet he pressed on with faith and determination. His leadership was not about personal ambition but about serving God and His people with unwavering commitment.
Nehemiah’s journey teaches us that godly leadership is not instantaneous; it is cultivated through calling, prayer, and action. His story challenges us to consider our own lives—what burdens has God placed on our hearts? Are we seeking Him in prayer? And are we willing to step forward in obedience, even when challenges arise? Like Nehemiah, we are called to trust in God’s faithfulness as He shapes us into the leaders He desires us to be.
Made From the Inside
Nehemiah’s extraordinary leadership journey in Israel began when he received a vision while still living in Susa. In fact, he had never actually been to Jerusalem, as he was born during the exile. God sent a messenger to report that the walls of Jerusalem had been destroyed, leaving his people vulnerable to their enemies. The broken walls broke his heart, igniting a vision for what he must do.
This internal vision compelled him to push through fear as he approached the king, to sacrifice his prestigious position as a cupbearer, to overcome fierce opposition, and to work tirelessly as a hands-on builder. The vision that God gave him fueled his courage, determination, and perseverance. His heart was not for personal gain but to serve and protect his people. Godly leaders are inwardly motivated, not for self-advancement, but for the purpose of serving others.
Far too often in the church, we become obsessed with the task at hand rather than the greater vision we have been called to fulfill. This is a critical mistake. When our focus shifts to mere activity rather than the purpose behind it, we risk losing sight of God’s greater plan. Recently, I came across a quote that captures the essence of why vision is so important:
"If you want to build a ship, don’t summon people to buy wood, prepare tools, distribute jobs, and organize the work, rather teach people the yearning for the wide, boundless ocean."-Antoine de Saint-Exupery
The why is far more important than the how. Too often, we focus on the practical steps and the details of how things should be done, but we miss the bigger vision behind it all. As leaders, we need to make sure we are leading with purpose—casting a compelling vision for what God is calling us to accomplish. When the why is clear, the how will follow.
It’s like being in the ocean and summoning others to build a ship. Instead of getting caught up in the construction, we need to invite people to experience the vastness of the ocean itself. The vision is not about the ship or the specific task at hand—it’s about the purpose and the journey that God is leading us on. When we focus on the vision, people will be compelled to follow, and together we will step into what God has in store for us.
Let us lead with a clear vision, inspiring others not just to accomplish tasks, but to walk boldly in the mission God has given us. Your life—and the lives of those around you—will be forever changed when you embrace the greater vision of God's work in the world.
Made From the Knees Up
After Nehemiah received his vision, his first response was to pray. How often is that our first response? When something goes wrong, we often try to fix it ourselves. This is a lesson I’ve learned the hard way.
Several years ago, during the church planting assessment, I was asked to cast my vision before a group of pastors. At the end of my presentation, one pastor asked, “What is the least we could do for you?” My response was, “Pray.” Thankfully, one of the pastors gave me a proverbial backhanded slap, reminding me that prayer is the most important thing someone can do for you. He was absolutely right. Over the years, God has shown me just how vital this is. There have been too many moments to count where I’ve witnessed God answer prayer—often in extraordinary ways.
When Nehemiah prayed, there were several key elements to his prayer:
- He began this prayer by praising God (v. 5).
- He confessed his sins and his part in the problem (v. 6-7)
- He claimed God’s promises (v. 8-10)
- He brought his prayer, petition, and desire before God (v. 11).
Nehemiah is a great example of being a person of prayer, and he serves as a type and shadow of the One who exemplified the perfect prayer life—Jesus. Jesus was perfect in every way, and His prayer life was perfectly aligned with the will of the Father. Jesus often took time away to pray, setting a model for us to follow.
When Jesus was about to raise Lazarus from the dead, He prayed (John 11). He prayed over His disciples and the future church (John 17), which includes you and me. When faced with the death penalty in order to atone for the sins of humanity, He prayed. Even while hanging on the cross, He prayed. And right before He died, He prayed, declaring, “It is finished.”
Now, Jesus takes our imperfect prayers and presents them perfectly to God the Father. He invites us to follow His example, to pray with the same heart of submission, and He promises us what will happen when we pray:
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”-Matt. 7:7-8
Conclusion: Made From the Action Out
Nehemiah ended his prayer with a plea for God to use him as an answer to that very prayer. He didn’t just ask God to act; he was willing to be the vessel through which God would work. Nothing happens until God’s people are willing to step out in faith. Before Joshua began his conquest of the land of Canaan, the Israelites had to cross the Jordan River. Yet, the river didn’t part until Joshua took the first step into the water. It was only when they moved in faith that God responded with His miraculous power. The same is true for Christians today—when we take that step in faith, that’s when we will see God move.
Leaders in God’s work would do well to remember this principle. Prayer is primary, but not just any prayer—prayer that aligns with action. It’s not enough to pray theoretically, as if we’re waiting for God to do all the work. True prayer involves the conviction, “I’m available, Lord—ready and willing.” It’s not a passive prayer asking for others to act but an active prayer that says, “Use me.” This kind of prayer expects to be an answer to God’s call, not just to wait for someone else.
Action is always tied to inconvenience, sacrifice, and sometimes even criticism. The easy thing in life is to say nothing, do nothing, and accomplish nothing. But that is not the way of godly leadership. A godly leader is made by God through vision, prayer, and action. Vision sets the direction, prayer fuels the journey, and action brings it to fruition. Leaders must be willing to step into the unknown, knowing that obedience to God’s call often requires us to face discomfort and opposition.
Leaders in the Kingdom must remember that faith without works is dead (James 2:26). God is looking for those who will act on the vision He gives them, even when the path is unclear. A leader who is only willing to pray but unwilling to act is like someone who stands by the riverbank, waiting for the water to part, but never steps into the river themselves. But those who move in faith—despite the inconvenience, the sacrifice, and the criticism—will see God work in ways that only He can.
Recent
Archive
2025
2023
No Comments