Rebuilding the Walls

Nehemiah 2-3 begins the fascinating story of how Nehemiah rises to his next challenge as a leader – rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem.

How well did his role as cupbearer to the king prepare him for this next task? A number of his competencies and leadership skills transferred quite nicely, and then he was challenged with even greater responsibilities. A better predictor of success, however, was his underlying character. Nehemiah was a man of integrity, authenticity, compassion, consistency, and dependability. These are traits that transfer with leadership into any situation.

So I ask myself, how have my previous experiences prepared me for my current role with Ignite South Africa, and as we face the challenges of rebuilding? How does God want to use my competencies and character traits in the part I’m called to play? And where do I need to grow as a leader?

Nehemiah begins by mustering up the courage and humility needed to ask for help from the king. That was a big deal. He needed resources, authority, and time off to go to Jerusalem and lead the work.

I know I have a hard time asking for help. As a leader, I’ve been conditioned to value independence, dependability, control, and self-motivation; sometimes at the expense of teamwork, interdependence, and mutual trust. Now as a missionary so far from home, depending on others is more critical than ever. And God has been so faithful in providing help through individual and ministry partners. He’s also been showing me what a blessing it is, and how these partnerships are part of His divine plan to carry out His work in South Africa. I guess that’s one of the reasons for sharing my thoughts as I reflect through Nehemiah - I depend on the prayers and support of those partnering with me on this journey.

Next Nehemiah goes to Jerusalem and puts his analytical skills to work surveying the scene and preparing a plan. He knows they’ll have to work fast because of the threat of attacks. He divides the project into manageable tasks with measurable outcomes, and then communicates his plan to the people.

Even with authority, resources and a rock-solid plan, Nehemiah will not succeed without full commitment from the people. So he appeals to their hearts, motives and needs. He gets the right people on board and the wrong people off. Then he gets the right people doing the right thing.

As a ministry we have a lot of work to do to carry out God’s vision for what he’s entrusted to us – to maintain, rebuild, and grow, igniting eternal impact in South Africa. I’m excited and hopeful about the future. And like Nehemiah, I’m looking forward to nothin’ but smooth sailing ahead. Right?

Wrong. Rough waters are surely ahead.