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. As we pay attention to Him, he will give us the ability for the tasks that are before us.  

We have the privilege to study the Word to know God, obey and be able to share it with those around us so that we can all be transformed and be his examples.  Nehemiah was so passionate about doing the best for the Lord.  Although, he served the king in Babylon his focus was to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. The people of the city were broken, and disorganized and needed direction.  Nehemiah became the strategist. He organized, protected and pooled resources.  We do not see visible qualifications for leadership here but the main qualification was that Nehemiah was willing to trust and obey God right from the start.

Nehemiah listened to God who gave him the idea to call together all the nobles and leaders of the city and ordinary citizens for registration. Scripture tells us that 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’s guidance. In 1 Corinthians 14:33, Paul writes "For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God’s holy people."

Our tasks 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.  

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

Reflect:

What does it take to be a difference-maker? It is possible to pick up your tools and choose to build something as you listen to the Lord.

The picture above was an inspiration in an individual with an initial desire to transform an abundant site into a beautiful place today. She used her talent!