Powerful Leadership Lessons from Nehemiah

Nehemiah is a favorite book to teach leadership. Since Nehemiah effectively completed a major project under much opposition and difficult circumstances, we look to him as an example to follow.

There are many lessons we can learn from this great book. Do you have favorite lessons? If so, please share them. I have four lessons to share today.

Lessons

The Power of Prayer

This lesson comes in two parts.

In the first part (chapter 1, verses 4-11), Nehemiah has just heard the news about the devastation left behind in Jerusalem. Along with the obvious despair he feels, he calls himself to action beginning with prayer.

This prayer was an honest cry to God. It was a complete acknowledgment of guilt and failure. If we are to excel in prayer, we must be humble and accept responsibility. Nehemiah was a wonderful example but he also fully acknowledged sin and failure starting with himself and extending to his family and people. Notice that he starts with ‘we’ and only reverts to ‘they’ in describing God’s choice to make them his people.  

Too often we pray for the sins of others without identifying with them. That can make us self-righteous and prideful. When part of the body sins, we should all feel the damage that it causes. Repentance of this kind is rare today as we focus on individual responsibility. However, the Bible shows us that we are a community of believers and often we need to pray that way as well!

The second part of the prayer lesson is found in chapter 2, verse 4. As Nehemiah approaches the king to share his concern, he offers a silent prayer to God. This prayer was effective because he had spent days in fasting and prayer in preparation for this moment.

The most effective ‘help me’ prayers are those that are built on a foundation of extended, focused prayer. If you want those prayers answered, you must invest time in devoted, unhurried prayer.

The Power of Vision

Nehemiah called the leaders of the people together and shared his vision (2:17). He clearly states the problem (trouble and disgrace) and points to a clear solution (rebuild the walls).

This was a risky move. What if the people didn’t want to do the work? What if they thought it was impossible? Nehemiah knew that if he didn’t speak up, it wouldn’t happen. There was truly nothing to lose!

When God implants a vision in your heart, you must speak up! There is nothing to lose and everything to gain. And God has gone before you to make it possible!

The Power of Teamwork

Chapter three describes the workforce. All the workers took their places along the wall, spurred on by the vision, and began to rebuild. I think it is interesting that the workers are named along with where they built. God is interested in the details and we have a part to play!

When we are called to a God-sized vision, we can work together as a team to accomplish it.

The Power of Focus

The building of the wall was not all smooth sailing! Any major project that God directs us to do will have problems along the way. Chapter four describes the opposition that arose. There were many powerful people that feared their influence would be diminished with the resurgence of Jerusalem. They openly opposed the work.

Nehemiah kept the people focused on the work even as they made preparations to face the opposition. He didn’t let the work go undone as he countered the threat. This lesson tells us not to let up in the face of opposition.

When they failed to frighten the people into failure, those opposing the work took a different approach. They tried to get Nehemiah to meet with them. They hoped that this distraction would derail the progress that was being made.

Focusing on the work God has given us will keep us on track and help us complete the important task at hand!

Your Turn

What lessons have touched your life from the Book of Nehemiah? Share them in the comments below or on our Facebook page.

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