Built To Lead – Week 2 – When the Burden Won’t Leave You Alone
When the Burden Won’t Leave You Alone
How Nehemiah shows us what calling really looks like
We’ve all asked it:
Is this a calling… or just heartburn?
That ache inside you—does it mean something? Or are you just feeling emotional? Nehemiah 2 gives us a front-row seat to what it looks like when a holy burden turns into a God-given calling.
1. Calling Starts Where Burden Meets God’s Favor
Nehemiah didn’t force his way forward. He just stayed ready. When the king asked, “What do you want?”, Nehemiah prayed, then spoke.
The opportunity found him—but only after four months of prayer and preparation. When the moment came, God’s favor kicked the door wide open.
A calling isn’t something you chase. It’s something you carry—until God says move.
2. Clarity Brings Courage
Nehemiah didn’t have a background in wall-building. He wasn’t a general contractor—he was a cupbearer. But when he saw God’s fingerprints on his path, he walked forward with boldness.
He didn’t lead because he felt impressive. He led because God had made it clear.
When God confirms the call, courage stops feeling like a risk and starts feeling like the next step.
3. Every Calling Draws Critics
The moment Nehemiah got moving, opposition showed up. Sanballat and his crew mocked, questioned, and challenged him. Nehemiah didn’t flinch.
He didn’t explain. He didn’t argue. He just said:
“The God of heaven will make us prosper.”
Criticism doesn’t cancel your calling. It often confirms it.
4. Your First Calling Is Already Clear
We obsess over “what’s next,” but God’s already told us what’s first:
Follow Jesus
Obey Him through baptism
Be connected to His Church
Serve and share the gospel
If you’re not walking in what’s clear, don’t expect Him to reveal what’s unclear.
Before Nehemiah picked up a brick, he bowed before the King.
Final Word:
Don’t wait for writing in the sky when you’ve got writing in Scripture.
Don’t ignore the burden. Steward it. Test it. Wait on God’s favor.
And when it comes—move.
God doesn’t need you to feel ready. He needs you to be faithful.
Let’s rise up and build.
Justin Daniel