THIS IS A CONTINUATION OF STUDYING THE BOOK OF NEHEMIAH.
[THIS STUDY WE BEGIN AT CHAPTER 6]
In previous chapters we see Nehemiah was constantly dealing with annoying and distracting situations, things that all good leader face and don't have the time to engage with. Now in chapter 6, Nehemiah's integrity is whats in question. Can you imagine someone coming to you (imagine you are a leader over a huge church or something) and giving you a false prophetic word on purpose? I mean someone being paid to come to you with a false word from God!
DISCERNMENT
As I was reading it, I thought, wow, what discernment Nehemiah has in verse 12 when he "perceives" that God had not sent the messenger at all. I mean, this was serious, if Sanballat & Tobiah were paying prophets to try to put fear in him they were at a point of desperation. But Nehemiah's depth of knowing God is clearly seen in his consistent unwavering stance.
When the "open letter" goes out in attempt to fault his character, Nehemiah immediately knew it was false and was not double-minded about it. He didn't think twice, he immediately replied to the servant that it was all false, and whats more than that, he had the discernment to see behind the plot immediately.
Similarly in Church History, John Huss, a Bohemian Reformer (1415), and William Tyndale (1535), and English reformer, both experienced similar circumstances. They were both at times lured into meeting with people who opposed their work, only to be burned alive & strangled. (Nehemiah, Man in Charge, by Donald K. Campbell references these well)
ACT IMMEDIATELY
The people didn't believe the rumors or waver in following Nehemiah's leadership I believe for two reasons. First, Nehemiah addressed it immediately. There was no time for doubt to settle in their hearts. This is huge. Time can be a great friend or terrible enemy.
I have made this mistake a thousand times. You know the right thing to do and you don’t do it, why? Because instead of acting immediately you think it over and allow options to be considered. (Act therefore what has been purposed in your heart and you will not waver when it’s time 2 Cor. 9:7) You find yourself hesitating, thinking that you will give it sometime and think it over, or get counsel, but the more time that passes doubt settles in your heart and those around you and you can get further and further off-course.
The double-minded man is unstable in all his ways and lacks consistency, can not be trusted, and is a horrible stench before God. [James 1:7-8, James 4:8 Psalm 119:113]
CONSISTENCY
Secondly, his character was already proven by consistency, and therefore he was a stable leader they could trust.
Being consistent is soooooooooo important. See you can't have consistent character overnight. This is lifetime, proven, tried, and found honorable "character".
If you were to hear a rumor about someone you know, would you believe it? I know your answer already- it depends on how well you knew the person, right? Thats the point. It takes time to get to know someone's character, and consistency is the mark of a great leader.
WHEN YOU FACE ACCUSATION
One thing Nehemiah did not do, was stop and consider whether the rumors were true. He didn't even entertain it for a second! When the enemy accuses us (You know what I mean, those little thoughts inside your head saying, "You're not good enough, you'll never be able to pull that off, etc.) Do you listen to that for a minute? Do you entertain it? Do you recognize it as a lie immediately? In this hour God is calling us to REALLY know who we are. I mean REALLY know. You need to get familiar with the truth of who you are so you recognize the accusation immediately and denounce in consistently. That means, "don't stop". 😉
FOR MORE ON THAT, consider reading my blog, “Who do you think you are”?
PRAYER STARTER
Father, I thank you for opening my eyes and showing me how important it is that I know what you say about me so I can consistently focus on what you've called me to and not get off track. Help me Lord to daily feed on the truth of what You say about me so I will stand strong and courageous in the midst of opposition. Give me discernment like Nehemiah that I may be wise and not doubt when accusations come my way. I thank You Lord for Your mercy towards me, strengthening me through Your Word, in Jesus name, amen.