Leading through Troubled Times
The people of Jerusalem were tired. The honeymoon was over and with the wall only half way done, they were starting to lose hope.
“Meanwhile, the people in Judah said, ‘The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall.’ Also, our enemies said, ‘Before they know it or see us, we will be right there among them and will kill them and put an end to the work.” Nehemiah 4:10 – 11
They were losing hope because of the enormity of the task. All the rubble was in the way from the last wall. Imagine day after day, moving large heavy stone and block out of the way… so that you could put new large stones and blocks right back. All without power equipment. It’s truly a laborious task!
Further, they were demoralized by the threat of their enemies who mocked their efforts. Anxiety was building with the continued threats of attack as well.
It’s an overwhelming situation to live through and GRIT can only take you so far…
Nehemiah responds with three moves to answer his people and bolster morale.
One – Leading with Care
Nehemiah shows the people he’s heard them with visible protection!
“Therefore I stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families, with their swords, spears and bows.” Nehemiah 4:13
Notice he places people with weapons at the low points of the wall where enemies would see them and know the city is being guarded.
Also notice, he places people with weapons near the families, so they know they are being protected.
He’s making the statement outwardly that this city is not to be messed with!
Inwardly, he’s reassuring the people that they are protected!
Two – Leading with Reassurance
“After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, ‘Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.’” Nehemiah 4:14
Nehemiah reminds them who is in charge – God. God is in control here and He is great and awesome.
In other words, God started us on this path by providing us the resources and protections necessary… Don’t forget that. And, if you have to fight, fight. God is great and awesome.
Three – Leading by Example
“Neither I nor my brothers nor my men nor the guards with me took off our clothes; each had his weapon, even when he went for water.” Nehemiah 4:23
Nehemiah made sure that the people knew he wasn’t letting his guard down to be caught unprepared for a fight.
By carrying his weapon everywhere, he demonstrated his own willingness to jump into the fight!
As leaders, we have to take action to show that we care for the people following us, reassure them of the cause, and lead by setting the example for what we want accomplished.
We are not removed from the battle – rather we are the front line – especially in troubled times.
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