Built To Lead – Week 1 – Nehemiah: An Ordinary Man with an Extraordinary Burden

Nehemiah’s story is a fascinating study in how God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. Here’s a guy who’s not a prophet or a king, just a cupbearer—a civil servant in the Persian court. Yet, when he hears about the devastation in Jerusalem, it hits him like a ton of bricks. This wasn’t just a passing concern; it was a burden that stirred him to action.

In our lives, we often encounter situations that tug at our hearts. These burdens are not just emotional responses; they can be divine nudges. Nehemiah didn’t just feel sorry for Jerusalem; he was moved to tears, fasting, and prayer. He didn’t rush into action with a five-step plan. Instead, he took a step back, sought God’s guidance, and owned up to his own shortcomings. This is where true leadership begins—not with a title, but with humility and surrender.

We often want to jump straight into fixing things, don’t we? We see a problem and think, “I’ve got to do something about this.” But Nehemiah teaches us that the first step is to pause and seek God’s direction. It’s about saying, “God, I feel this burden. What’s my role here?” It’s not about having all the answers upfront. It’s about being open to where God leads, even if the path isn’t immediately clear.

And here’s the interesting part: when you step into that burden, God starts opening doors. Nehemiah didn’t have a grand strategy when he approached the king. He simply had faith and a willingness to act. And God honored that. Often, faith precedes clarity. You might not see the whole picture, but as you take that first step, God reveals the next.

So, what’s weighing on your heart? What’s that issue you can’t stop thinking about? Maybe it’s time to lean into it. Whether it’s serving in the community, getting involved in a ministry, or simply praying for God to show you the next step, there’s something you can do. Church isn’t just a place to sit and listen; it’s a community where we’re called to engage and act.

Leadership isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about being willing to step into the mess with faith and humility. So, let’s embrace the burdens God places on our hearts and see how He can use us to bring about change. Who knows what doors will open when we say yes to His call?