5 Lessons From the Life of Nehemiah

The story of Book of Nehemiah is one to not just read, but to truly understand and see how God can use anybody to achieve His purposes. Nehemiah wasn't a prophet, priest or anything of such. But through him, God brought about a major reform.

His story is one filled with excellent virtues that are really scarce in this age and time. The world currently seems to have no hope but to continue plunging further into disarray and turmoil. We have to remember that it was also so during Nehemiah's time. He faced lots of persecutions and problems, but as one who was backed by God, he triumphed.

His life teaches us that one person yielded to God can become a vessel through which restoration comes to many people. In this article, we will be exploring 5 lessons we can learn from the life of Nehemiah.

1. He Was A Man Given To Prayer

Problems happen, and our response to problems shows us who we really are. Before Nehemiah was told about the state of Jerusalem, many people already knew. We can imagine that some had accepted it as fate already, others just kept complaining, while some were busy sharing faults and blaming people.

But as for Nehemiah, immediately he heard of the situation, he gave himself to prayer and fasting.

This response of his shows us that it was already his habit to take issues to God in prayers. He must have regularly sought God for himself for him to immediately think of interceding on behalf of his nation. Rather than complain endlessly or speak carelessly, he first spoke to God.

This is something that must also be said of us. Our prayer altar is primarily where we must resort to, come what may. Nehemiah didn't run to the king first or immediately seek human help. Instead, he continued in prayer until the right opportunity came.

Many believers today panic before they pray, but Nehemiah teaches us that prayer should not be our last option; it should be our first response.

2. He Knew Who His God Was

Truly, Nehemiah wasn't a priest nor prophet, but he undoubtedly knew God as his God. He understood the attributes of God. He knew God's mercies endure forever, and that He is compassionate and does not deal with us according to our sins.

That is why he could intercede boldly on behalf of his city without delay.

Many of us have read about God and heard about Him, but have not truly experienced Him personally or become bold enough to confidently say, “I know the God I serve.” This ignorance is one of the major gateways to fear, despair, and hopelessness.

We have issues, but deep down we are not fully sure if God would be willing to step into our affairs. So in times of trouble, we quickly run into the arms of men before running to God.

Nehemiah understood covenant and relationship. He remembered God's promises concerning His people and approached Him with confidence. Even while Jerusalem was in ruins, he still believed restoration was possible because he knew the God he served.

When a person truly knows God, fear begins to lose its hold over them.

3. He Was A True Leader

A true leader doesn't need to be publicly anointed before knowing he has to step up and lead. A true leader is not moved by threats and fear, not because he doesn't have them, but because he understands that responsibility is greater than comfort.

Nehemiah displayed these qualities perfectly.

He understood the people he led and acted selflessly in service towards them. He did not come to reform the city out of a desire for fame, riches, or influence, but out of a heart devoted to God's will.

He genuinely wanted to see his people return to properly worshipping God with unity of heart as He deserves to be worshipped.

Even when opposition arose from every side, Nehemiah remained focused on the assignment. He encouraged the people, organized them wisely, and worked alongside them.

Many people today are interested in leadership opportunities, but their motives are wrong. Some desire leadership to promote themselves, gain fame, or become influential. This has contributed greatly to the chaos we witness today. Leaders become selfish, and aspiring leaders are also focused mainly on what they can gain.

This is far from the kind of people God wants us to be.

God has an abundance of resources, but He needs faithful stewards who will administer them rightly to His people. This shows us the importance of people like Nehemiah in every generation.

4. His Focus Was Unshakeable

When problems arise, we mostly react instinctively by focusing all our attention on them. This wrong focus enlarges our view of the problem and weakens our faith.

Nehemiah also heard of a major problem, but rather than focus on the problem itself, he focused on the God who could solve it.

During the course of the reforms, challenges arose from every angle. There was opposition, mockery, threats, discouragement, and attempts to distract him from the work. But as we see throughout the book of Nehemiah, he was not fazed.

Rather, he prayed, acted wisely, and used strategies to confound the enemies until the reform was completed and fully established.

One remarkable thing about Nehemiah was that he refused to allow distractions pull him away from what God had placed in his hands to do. He understood that every great work will attract opposition.

What made this possible was the fact that he never fixed his eyes on the problems. He kept his eyes on God and the assignment ahead of him.

There is a lot we can learn from this and apply in our daily lives. Since focusing constantly on problems only helps exalt them in our minds, why don't we focus instead on our God who is able to remove those problems as though they were never there?

5. He Was Generous And Compassionate

Those whom God uses and will continue to use for His works have a responsibility to become like Him.

Our God is an exceedingly generous and compassionate God. His love moved Him to give His only Son for our salvation. Nehemiah also possessed a generous and compassionate heart, and this moved him to successfully oversee both the physical and spiritual restoration of his people.

He was already cupbearer to one of the most influential kings of his time. He had access, influence, comfort, and favor. Yet despite all these things, his heart was still burdened for his people.

He desired sincerely for them to live rightly and walk well before God.

And this he showed not just by words, but also by action, encouragement, sacrifice, and leadership by example.

The world today is crying out for people like Nehemiah. People who will not care only about themselves, but also about those God places in their path. People who will not frolick with those in power and authority at the expense of others and to their gain. People who will mirror the heart of God through generosity, compassion, and genuine love for others.

Conclusion

It is often rightly said that we Christians are the Bible the world sees daily. This means that whether intentionally or unintentionally, people learn about our God through our words, actions, attitudes, and lifestyle.

Nehemiah understood this responsibility and lived in a way that glorified God during his time.

Through prayer, courage, compassion, leadership, and steadfast focus, he became an instrument through which God brought reformation and restoration to His people.

Now it is our own time.

The question is not what Nehemiah did in his generation, but what we ourselves are willing to do in ours.

Will we glorify God as Nehemiah did, or otherwise?