Nehemiah 1:4 “When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed.” (NIV)

I couldn’t believe it. After all these years, my hometown was still in shambles. Only the church was standing.

It was autumn when my brother and others from my hometown arrived. As we caught up on the news, I was disturbed to learn about my hometown’s condition. Terrorists had destroyed it more than seventy years earlier, and I and many others had moved away.

A few years ago a new leader had taken over the country where I now live and was ruling my home country also. He offered to let those who had been misplaced return home if they wanted. Many did and those who had rebuilt our Temple. But the walls and gates of the city were still in shambles. Without these for protection, terrorists might attack again.

I had an important job but after praying I felt God wanted me to return to my homeland and lead the people in rebuilding the walls of the city. So I asked for permission and amazingly was granted a leave of absence.

When I arrived, it was just as my brother said. I assessed the situation, formulated a plan, enlisted and equipped people to help me and within 52 days we had rebuilt the wall and restored the gates. We were determined our land would not be invaded again.

Okay, so this wasn’t me but it did happen to Nehemiah. And his leadership skills were amazing. He gathered a disorganized group of people and accomplished in 52 days what others couldn’t in more than 90 years.

It’s been said if you are claiming to lead but look around and no one is following you need to reassess your position or the circumstances. Nehemiah led and others followed-but not all.

Spiritual leaders are concerned with godly matters as well as growing in their relationship with God. They depend on him for success in their efforts but are never satisfied to sit still. There are visions and dreams to fulfill. God’s plan-not their own, is what they surrender to, and everything is bathed in prayer. Let God lead you to lead others to new heights.

Martin Wiles mandmwiles@homesc.com
Harleyville, South Carolina, USA
www.morningliteministry.com