What moves leaders to lead? Nehemiah 1:1-11

We have all heard the stories of leaders who were either thrust or developed into being a leader. Whatever the case may be I believe there is a point when the leader can either walk away and say no to, or move forward in leadership. In this passage of scripture we read about a man named Nehemiah. Many of us are familiar with Nehemiah but for those who are not let me introduce him. He is a Jew who was forced to leave his home and took up residency in Susa. He worked himself into the position of Cupbearer for the King.

Nehemiah was living a life of, somewhat, luxury. He was not looking to be a leader but rather looking to serve the leader. Something happened to Nehemiah that happens in all men and women who become leaders. Something moved inside Nehemiah that caused him to become the leader God wanted for that day and time.

What moved Nehemiah to lead?

1. Relationships (Nehemiah 1:1-4) – Nehemiah was moved because of his love for
his family (His brother). He was moved because of his concern for his nation
(Judah). He was moved because of his love for Gods people.

As a leader we can all attest to this reason. I, as a pastor, was moved to leadership because of my Love for God and His people. Hopefully you have been moved to lead because of wanting to help people. You have a love to see people become more than they are at this moment and time in their life.

What else moved Nehemiah ....

2. Problems (Nehemiah 1: 3) – Nehemiah was moved to lead because of the problem he saw concerning Judah. The wall of protection around the city was destroyed and the city was not secure.

Nehemiah saw a problem that moved him to solve the problem. Every leader is
moved because they see a problem. Good or bad, if there is a problem a leader will
be moved to lead toward a solution to the problem.

3. 3. Success (Nehemiah 1: 11) – Nehemiah trusted the Lord! He believed that

God would give success to the problem God’s people faced. As a leader, we are moved to lead because we trust God! We believe God will give us success (Jer. 29:11-14). The scripture is very clear in Luke 18:27 But he said, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.”

Leaders are moved to lead because of relationships, problems and belief in a successful outcome. You might be in a situation in your life that God is moving you to lead. It might be because of a relationship you are in. It might be because of a problem you are facing. It might be because God has given you a sense of peace that there will be success.

Whatever the reason you are being moved to lead, ……….LEAD!