I’ve been meditating on the story of Nehemiah–specifically the first two chapters of the book titled with his name. I’ve been thinking about change, growth, and progress. Nehemiah led the people of Israel in this incredible initiative to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem! But this endeavor was a process. It was not something that just happened overnight. How did Nehemiah go from cupbearer of the Persian king to leading a group of workers back to Israel to rebuild its walls? It started with leadership. Nehemiah was a willing leader who saw a problem and decided to fix it. This movement to work on the walls of Jerusalem began with only one man, but it was a man who was committed to following God’s leading and doing God’s will. See how much was accomplished as one man stepped up and led God’s people to identify their own weaknesses and move towards a healthy direction!
The church needs such people as Nehemiah. I’ve heard them described as “gap men”, because they stood in the gap and filled a hole that needed to be filled. We need these type of individuals in the church–men and women who will fearlessly step up and take leadership regardless of the consequences! The interesting thing about this type of leadership is that it may start with one person, but when such individuals are willing to “stand in the gap” others soon follow. There are always people waiting for a godly leader with a spiritual vision whom they can support and follow! Will you be such a leader in your church?
