Strategy

“So, my God gave me the idea to call together all the nobles and leaders of the city, along with the ordinary citizens, for registration. …..” Nehemiah 7:5

A strategist is responsible for creating and implementing plans, or strategies, to achieve specific goals. They develop and execute plans that involve setting objectives, determining actions, and allocating resources to achieve desired outcomes. The greatest strategist we have ever had is our Creator God. He is orderly, transparent, with good governance as He demonstrated right from creation in the Genesis account.  His name is Elohim.

As we learn to know the Word of God, obey and study to know Him we also need to share it with those around us so that it continues to transform people for the Kingdom of God. One such person who was so passionate about this was Nehemiah.  He served the king in Babylon but set off to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem with “a burdened heart”. The people of the city were broken, and disorganized in need of direction regarding what to do.  Nehemiah became the leader. He organized, protected and pooled their resources so they could see each others strength.  We do not see visible qualifications for leadership here but the main qualification was that Nehemiah was willing to trust God right from the start.

The wall was completed but the city was large and spacious, the population was small and none of the houses had been rebuilt.  Nehemiah was listening to God who gave him the idea to call together all the nobles and leaders of the city and ordinary citizens for registration. This is recounted in Nehemiah 7, he demonstrated good governance and was successful. The city gates were well-guarded, people were accounted for and had proper records in place which demonstrated efficiency and effectiveness. He was a wise strategist who depended on God. "For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God’s holy people." 1 Corinthians 14:33.

Our task may not be large nor comparable to Nehemiah’s, but the great thing is that wherever God has placed us with the gifting He has given us, we can be strategists in building His Kingdom right from our own backyard.  He gives us the courage, strength and enablement.  The truth of the matter is that Nehemiah trusted the Lord.  He walked in obedience, humility and authenticity and was able to accomplish the task. I have a friend who is a prayer strategist and many people reach out to her on regular appointments for prayer. She spends time with the Lord, listening and being strategic in her approach as the Lord gives her direction to minister.

Pray your response to the Lord personally, meaningfully and genuinely.

Reflect: What does it take to be a difference-maker? A lengthy resume, popularity or integrity, reverence and ……… to God?