Page 26 - Principles of Leadership - Nehemiah

the gates of the temple’s fortress, the city wall, and the home where I will live.” The king granted my
⌊requests⌋, for I was graciously strengthened by my God.

Nehemiah had lifted his heart to God; now, he must open his mouth to the King. He believed not only in
dependent praying but also in deliberate planning. Things don't seem to be going according to plan because
there are no plans. But some people have a tough time reconciling “the concept of strategic planning, with the
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idea of trusting God.” Ultimately, strategic planning helps us recognize the significance of today in the context
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of the future. Nehemiah realized that “He, who fails to plan, plans to fail.” Look at Nehemiah's strategic
planning during the 100 days he was praying.

1. He had a time frame for the building project. 6 How long will your journey take, and when will you
return?” So I gave him a definite time. Please note that the King wanted Nehemiah to return once the
project was over. Nehemiah had such a close bond with the King that he did not want to lose him.
2. Nehemiah realized that the two-month journey back to Jerusalem would be extremely dangerous.
Therefore, he asked the King, 7 “If it pleases the king, Notice the reverential language he uses. Let me
have letters ⌊written⌋ to the governors of the region west of the Euphrates River so that they will
grant me ⌊safe⌋ passage until I reach Judah. But the King went over and above Nehemiah's request,
and we see in verse 9, the king also sent officers of the infantry and cavalry with me.
3. But no building project could be completed without building supplies. Therefore, Nehemiah also asked
for the following. 8 And ⌊let me have⌋ a letter ⌊written⌋ to Asaph, keeper of the king’s forest, so that
he will give me timber to rebuild the gates of the temple’s fortress, the city wall, and the home
where I will live.”

Charles Swindoll says that the above passage teaches us that “God honors order and organization. Can you
imagine what had previously transpired in Nehemiah's mind for him to provide an immediate, on-the-spot
answer? Nehemiah had a plan. You see, he had been doing more than praying for four months. He had been
planning. That in itself was an exercise in faith. He was so sure God would let him go that he even drew up a
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plan in case the King asked him.” James Montgomery Boice says that “it is surprising how often careful
planning is overlooked by persons in leadership… In Christian circles, the problem may be traceable to a false
spirituality: God has told me to do so, and so the dreamer says. Yes? And how are you going to do it? I don't
know. I guess I'm just going to start out and see what the Lord does for me. People who start this way usually
return with the job unfinished. Clarity is critical before we commit ourselves to any task.” (See Luke 14:28-33)
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When Nehemiah was finished with his request, notice what he said. The king granted my ⌊requests⌋, for I was
graciously strengthened by my God. Nehemiah was quick to give God all the glory for what was accomplished.
There will be many more battles and prayers to be answered before this building project is completed. But at
this point, Nehemiah was quick to look to God and say, my God graciously strengthened me.

5. God’s servant testifies (2:9-10)
9 I went to the governors of the region west of the Euphrates and gave them the king’s letters. The king had
also sent officers of the infantry and cavalry with me. 10 When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the
Ammonite official heard that someone had come to seek the well-being of the Israelites, they were greatly
displeased.

Opposition is to be expected when God’s will is carried out in any century. 2 Timothy 3:12 In fact, all those who
want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. “Whereas Ezra was ashamed to ask the king for an
escort (Ezra 8:22), Nehemiah made use of one. Both men trust God, but their trust is expressed in diverse ways.
There is a crucial point of application for us here: if we choose Ezra’s path, we should not condemn those who
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take Nehemiah’s and vice versa. It is not our place to judge the servant of another (Romans 14:4).” Because of
the open opposition against Nehemiah immediately gave them the king’s letters. Notice that it was not just
one letter but several letters. Does this mean that the king sent a letter specifically addressed to individuals in a
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