Nehemiah 2:1-5
New International Version (NIV)
Nehemiah 2
1 In the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was brought for him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had not been sad in his presence before, 2 so the king asked me, “Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart.”
I was very much afraid, 3 but I said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire? “The king said to me, “What is it you want?” Then I prayed to the God of heaven, 5 and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.
Nehemiah had a challenge, quite daunting I might add. But doable, he had the backing of the Greatest guide ever....GOD!!! God has called you to succeed not live your life in failure!!! The bible says....that God came to give you success in all you do, especially when it comes to His plans for you life!!! Jeremiah 29:11...for I know the plans I have for you...
A qoute from Andrew Carnegie....
Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.
Definition-
Success-
The favorable or prosperous termination of attempts or endeavors. .
The attainment of wealth, position, honors, or the like.
2 a: degree or measure of succeeding, b: favorable or desired outcome; also: the attainment of wealth, favor, or eminence
S- See your Goal/vision
Nehemiah 2:17-18
New International Version (NIV)
17 Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” 18 I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work.
U- Understand that there will be obstacles
1 Peter 4:12-13
New Living Translation (NLT)
12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 13 Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.
Obstacles can serve as building steps or tear you down steps- every obstacle should make you stronger and better if approach it with learning mindset!!!
C – Clear your mind of doubt
James 1:5-6
New Living Translation (NLT)
5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.
Doubt will be you downfall if you cannot believe what God said about you, you are the head and tail, on top and not beneath…..! Clearing your mind from any doubt will help you see a clear picture of the dream God has planned for you!
C = create a positive picture
Nehemiah 2:17-18
New Living Translation (NLT)
17 But now I said to them, “You know very well what trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire. Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and end this disgrace!” 18 Then I told them about how the gracious hand of God had been on me, and about my conversation with the king. They replied at once, “Yes, let’s rebuild the wall!” So they began the good work.
Your picture should be positive, Nehemiah saw the wall and immediately said despite the insurmountable work that was ahead of them he challenge them …..let us rebuild!!!!
E –embrace the challenge
Nehemiah 4:12-14
New Living Translation (NLT)
12 The Jews who lived near the enemy came and told us again and again, “They will come from all directions and attack us!”[a] 13 So I placed armed guards behind the lowest parts of the wall in the exposed areas. I stationed the people to stand guard by families, armed with swords, spears, and bows.
14 Then as I looked over the situation, I called together the nobles and the rest of the people and said to them, “Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!”
Challenge can sometimes be daunting; things that get in the way, family, friends or so you call them, time and fear!!! But God calls to embrace the challenge!!
S – Stay on track
Nehemiah 4:7-8
New Living Translation (NLT)
7 [a]But when Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs, Ammonites, and Ashdodites heard that the work was going ahead and that the gaps in the wall of Jerusalem were being repaired, they were furious. 8 They all made plans to come and fight against Jerusalem and throw us into confusion.
The common thing is when you are on your to victory, you are confronted with negative things that sidetrack your destiny. The bible say there will be trials and bumps along the road, rest assure that God is already there to help you meet those situations…so stay on track.
Matthew 2:13
New Life Version (NLV)
13 When they had gone, an angel of the Lord came to Joseph in a dream. He said, “Get up. Take the young Child and His mother to the country of Egypt. Go as fast as you can! Stay there until you hear from Me……. part of our journey is learning to stay in a place long enough to hear from God about when and where your next move is.
S – Show the world you can do it
Nehemiah 6:15-16
New Living Translation (NLT)
15 So on October 2 the wall was finished—just fifty-two days after we had begun. 16 When our enemies and the surrounding nations heard about it, they were frightened and humiliated. They realized this work had been done with the help of our God.
Everybody plays a significant role in the process of success, some for a while, and some for a long time. But there will always be someone that will help you make it!!! Show the world you can do it!!! Nothing can stop you, the people who you thought were going to stick with you till the end are not there anymore!!
Vincent Lombardi once said.....
The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual.
Success is just not defined as material well being and having it all! True success is following God's plans for you life...Live, Love Reach!
FAMILY, CHURCH AND YOUR CALL!
