We must heed to God’s strategic strategy in our lives. It’s much better than we can imagine. In Nehemiah 1:4, Nehemiah was concerned for trouble that had occurred with rebuilding the wall in Jerusalem. Verse 4 states, “When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven.” (NLT). Nehemiah poured out his heart to God. In life, we have a tendency to gossip, complain, yell and scream to people, but we need to take our concerns to God.
In verses 5-11, Nehemiah’s prayer included praise, confession, remembrance of God’s promises, and petition. God’s love is unfailing. If we mess up, confess it! Nehemiah identified with the sins of his people, and he made no excuses for himself. (NLT Study Bible)
The Greek meaning of strategy comes from the word stratiyeia which breaks down into two parts: “stratos” meaning army and “ago” which indicates guiding, moving, leading armies. It’s what ancient generals used to send forth their forces to defeat the enemy. It defines goals and how they are achieved.
Nehemiah was building in the midst of difficulty. At times, we have to reestablish in the middle of craziness. As a true leader, Nehemiah was to address the opposition to the work that was taking place. God is calling us as believers to be strategic in the strategies He has revealed to us.
Nehemiah 2:12 states “I slipped out during the night, taking only a few others with me. I had not told anyone about the plans God had put in my heart for Jerusalem. We took no pack animals with us except the donkey I was riding.”(NLT)
Strategic Strategy 1: God will reveal His plan in your heart. Never despise the small things you have to do and the few people that may be with you. Just know that God is supporting and protecting that which you are set out to perform.
In chapter 4 verses 10-12, Nehemiah and the people of Judah came against opposition to rebuilding the wall. The enemies they encountered had a history of doing evil in front of God. The workers rebuilding the wall were tired, complaining, and fearful.
Strategic Strategy 2: God will give you a plan, equip you, unify you with others, and remind you of who you are in the midst of the trouble.
Verse 13-15 says, 13 “So I placed armed guards behind the lowest parts of the wall in the exposed areas. I stationed the people to stand guard by families, armed with swords, spears, and bows. 14 Then as I looked over the situation, I called together the nobles and the rest of the people and said to them, “Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes! 15 When our enemies heard that we knew of their plans and that God had frustrated them, we all returned to our work on the wall.” (NLT)
In Nehemiah Chapter 5, It reveals where Nehemiah went on to defend those that were oppressed and in chapter 6, the opposition to rebuilding the wall continued. In the same chapter, the builders completed the wall.
Strategic Strategy 3: God will give you the strength to persevere. Sometimes the hardships we go through early on is to equip us against the accusation that will later come to slow us down and discourage us. Keep pressing forward because what God has set you out to do will be completed!
The ultimate strategy God gave is shown in Ephesian 4: 11-12 that states 11 “Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.” (NLT)
Strategic Strategy 4: Trust God as the Master Builder and let Him strengthen you in your position.
Are you in the right position? What strategic strategies has God given you? Whatever it is, know that He will provide everything you need to complete it if you obey His promptings along the way. Get before Him and open your heart to what He is revealing.
Calling all true leaders to rise up, take their rightful position, get back on the wall, and stand against the enemy with the unwavering strength of God! May their faithfulness bring forth an overwhelming victory for the people that resounds throughout generations!
