Leaders are to assess the challenges before them and then invite others to join them in overcoming them.
I see this in Nehemiah. He arrives in Jerusalem, and before he tells everyone his plan, he takes time to assess the situation.
Nehemiah 2:11-12
I went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days 12 I set out during the night with a few men. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem. There were no mounts with me except the one I was riding on.
After assessing the broken walls and the gates.
Nehemiah 2:17
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.”
Nehemiah relays the challenge before them. The need they are all very aware of. But then he reminds them of the goodness of God. He testifies of God’s hand on him and tells of his call to do this work.
Nehemiah 2:18
I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me and what the king had said to me.
They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work.
I love the people’s response: “Let us start rebuilding.”
And so they began.
Most people see the challenge or the need but lack the courage to act. God calls leaders to take time to assess and then to remind people of His goodness and our collective call to act.
Leaders assess and follow the call and invite others to join them. Remind each other of the goodness of God.
You may find that those around you have been wanting to address the situation for years but needed a leader and encouragement to act.
