Pressing On In Your Calling - 3 Realities of Leadership

How do you know you're called to something? A few realities emerge along the way. 

FIRST: You can't stop until it's done:

Nehemiah 2:9–12 (ESV) Then I came to the governors of the province Beyond the River and gave them the king’s letters. Now the king had sent with me officers of the army and horsemen. 10 But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite servant heard this, it displeased them greatly that someone had come to seek the welfare of the people of Israel. 11 So I went to Jerusalem and was there three days. 12 Then I arose in the night, I and a few men with me. And I told no one what my God had put into my heart to do for Jerusalem. There was no animal with me but the one on which I rode.

Nehemiah has authority and resources from the king yet he makes his way to Jerusalem and immediately finds resistance. Sanballat and Tobiah will be thorns in his side during this work. But it proves once again in the scriptures - as soon as you step out in faith for the Lord, there will be resistance in your way. Expect it. Don't complain just keep quietly going about what God gave for you to do. 

SECOND: You do not need recognition or celebration:

Nehemiah's inspection is a private event. He took only a few men and told no one what was in his heart. He also did not boast or brag about his resources and letters from the king. It would seem that men who know they have authority rarely need to flaunt it. 

For three days Nehemiah examines the work that needs to be done. Nehemiah models the quiet dignity and patient planning of a leader. He wants to have full knowledge of the work before he leads. He searches out the depth of the disaster and the level of effort it will take to build. I wonder how many either skip this stage or let it overwhelm them and quit. Nehemiah knows the work ahead is long and difficult but it must be done. 

He comes to the end of his exploration and confronts those living there...

Nehemiah 2:17–18 (ESV) Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned. Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer derision.” 18 And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, “Let us rise up and build.” So they strengthened their hands for the good work.

THIRD: You motivate others in the work:

Nehemiah 2:18 (ESV) And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, “Let us rise up and build.” So they strengthened their hands for the good work.

As soon as Nehemiah brings his report, the response to work is immediate and the people are strengthened for it. 

How do you know your calling? Well, let's take the negative approach to the question first: If you can look at the level of work ahead and give up, you aren't called to it. If you need celebration, you may not be called to it. If you can't get others involved, it might not be your calling. You see, "called people" have an unquenchable thirst for accomplishing a certain goal at a certain time. Their passion inspires others while at the same time they need no validation from others.

I wonder if you haven't yet found your "Jerusalem" project. Something that burns within and will not die out without getting it done. Something you'd do even if no one applauded. Something that would light a fire in others around you to follow. If you have found it, consider yourself blessed and get going!

The same three realities must be true about our faith. Jesus commanded we count the cost in following Him, that we bear the cross (shame or reproach of this world), and that our lives are lights in the darkness for others to follow.

Luke 14:27–28 (ESV) Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. 28 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?

 

A follower of Jesus will not shirk at the responsibility or cost. They will press on. Because they know they are called to follow Him. Nothing else matters nearly as much as serving the Lord.