Vision Building with an ancient governor

Every great company has a vision. It’s what drives them. It’s what gives them the purpose of their existence. People have visions for their lives. It’s what makes them move forward with confidence.

Salomon says: “Without a vision, people run wild.” (Prov 29:18, HCSB)

Let me introduce you to Nehemiah, a biblical character. Nehemiah never received this “dream from God” or the famous “letter from heaven” - some even call it the Burning Bush experience. Still Nehemiah was certain in his calling when he said, “The God of heaven is the one who will grant us success.” (Neh. 2:20)

What had happened? What makes Nehemiah so unwavering in his mission? And what can we learn from how Nehemiah developed his vision and mission?

1️⃣ A Need Presents Itself

One day, Nehemiah’s brother comes to visit from Jerusalem. The news: The city is still in ruins. The city gates are burned and the walls are still down. Enemies come in frequently to plunder and make fun of the citizens. Up to this point Nehemiah had not heard about this. It was not an urgent need for him. No need to address anything. At least not for Nehemiah.

Task: Become aware of the needs around you. What need presents itself to you frequently? What are YOU being made aware of lately?

What need within your world are you aware of? What cause could you join?

2️⃣ Nehemiah's Heart Burns

Surely, many other people in Babylonia where Nehemiah lived, had heard about the burned gates and destroyed walls. But somehow it touched Nehemiah in such a way that it made him sick. And the worst part was that he couldn’t do anything thing about it. Or so it seemed. He was only the cupbearer of the king - probably even a slave. He could not just run off, to do something about this problem. Nehemiah was deeply concerned that something needed to be done.

Question: Is God putting something on YOUR heart that deeply concerns you? Is there some situation you can’t find peace over? Something that needs to be addressed?

3️⃣ Nehemiah Develops A Clear Vision

Nehemiah does not find peace about this one. He prays. He fasts. He thinks about it. And in the next four months he begins to plan. He is in constant contact with God but he also asks: What would he do, if he could as he would like to? What if his boss would let him address the issue?

Task: If God put something on your heart, evaluate the situation. What would you do about it, if you could get involved and turn the situation around? Be detailed. Think about all that it could involve.

4️⃣ Nehemiah Does A SWOT Analysis

When it is time to talk with the king, Nehemiah has it all planed out. Nehemiah knows that he would need support from the king, protecting him from the opposition party. He knew, he needed material for the reconstruction of the city gates. He knew how long the project would roughly take. And he was ready to tell the king all these details. Talk about a person not being in his sweet spot. There was a hidden project manager in him. And at least from were he was right now, he knew what needed to be done.

Task: Do a SWOT analysis. Develop a plan of action! Write things down. And while you work on this, talk everything over with God!

5️⃣ Nehemiah Makes Personal Adjustments

Up to this point ,Nehemiah was still that servant of the king. But this was about to change. He was about to get a huge promotion. And Nehemiah was ready to take on the challenge. He knew that this was from God and he was willing to step up to the plate. Talk about a Cinderella story. Being a slave to the king and all of a sudden the chief-architect of a mayor construction project. Did I mention that Nehemiah ends up being the governor of Jerusalem (Neh. 8:9).

Ask yourself: Does this new vision of mine require a job change? Does it require additional training or certifications? I challenge you: Step up to the challenge. Redirect your life to fit God’s plan for your life.

6️⃣ Nehemiah Evaluates The Situation

Once he got to Jerusalem, Nehemiah takes time to evaluate the situation . Up until now, all he knew about the problem was from what he had heard. Now it was time to look at the project up close. What’s the first step? How could work distribution look like? What could be future obstacles? Nehemiah knew that these action steps were necessary to be able to communicate with the people involved in the project. He had to plan well, to direct it well.

Task: Ever vision needs action steps. Set SMART goals! Take into account the unexpected! Think about the big goal, but plan the minor steps to reach that goal!

7️⃣ Nehemiah Gets People Involved

Finally, Nehemiah was ready to communicate his vision to the people involved. Noble men, common folks, officials, and construction workers. Everyone needed to be included. Then Nehemiah takes the time to explain his vision. He recognized the shame that came with the situation of the city being destroyed. He told them that nothing had been done so far, but that this was about to change. He told them that even the king was behind the project. Lastly, he affirms to them that God was clearly leading this thing. When Nehemiah asks for their commitment, their response is a resounding: “Let’s do it!” (Neh 2:18)

Ask yourself: Are there people, family members or others, effected by the change you are about to make? Are there people you need invite into this endeavor? Is there someone you need to inform, for the peace and wellbeing of relationships? Do this! It is your responsibility.

And now, let the work begin.

Oh, by the way. You might not be called to rebuild an entire city. That was specific to Nehemiah. But I am 100% sure that God has a plan for your life. Be open to what God has in mind for you. And when the situation presents itself, think about it. Plan as Nehemiah did. And if needed, start making the changes necessary to follow Gods lead.

And remember, it was not just Nehemiah’s Vision. After he had presented it to the people of Jerusalem, it also became their Visions .