The One person Who Can Change The World II
The One Person Who Can Change the World Part II:
Nehemiah 6: 2-16
Last week, we took a look at Nehemiah, a hero in the Old Testament and his rebuilding of the Jerusalem walls. We have read of the trials he underwent from negative forces around him which sought to divert him from completing his mission. He overcame great verbal obstacles in finishing the fortification of the walls from individuals and groups such as Sanballat: the Horonite, Tobiah, Ammonites and the Ashodites. They were relentless to the point of intimidation, in their pursuit of getting him to stop. But he would not stop nor would he listen. In this installment of Crunch Time in Leadership: Nehemiah was a leader, a man of vision and certainly one who would not stop from completing the mission he had before him.
Earlier in my life, I had an opportunity to be a part of a group seeking to hike the Grand Canyon. This would mean I would have to undergo rigorous training in preparation for the hike. I could not bluff my way through this event. I truly needed to prepare myself for the task at hand. I trained extensively for three months getting ready for the hike down the canyon and then the next day back up to the top. Even with all the training I had put myself through, truth be told I was still nervous and scared. Well the day came when we arrived at the starting off point at the canyon and off we went. Going down was difficult yet not too taxing for me. Yet when we started our ascent back up the next day, almost immediately I started hearing the same voices I am sure Nehemiah did as he went about completing his mission. These voices were ones surely wanting me to stop and give up this crazy trek. Yet there was always something inside of me that made me keep on climbing upward, no matter how steep or difficult, I kept on going. The climb was absolutely brutal and tested every bone in my body. At every stop, honestly I felt I could not take even one more step. But I did and I finally reached the top. Elated I had completed the mission, as I am sure Nehemiah was especially after hearing all the negativity which surrounded him.
Again as last week, I believe there is a truth here for us as men and as leaders whether in the office, at home or both. The point is we are to finish what we start no matter how difficult the going gets. Secondly, be aware as in Nehemiah’s case, you can be assured there will be those around you who will seek to derail, discourage and defeat your thinking and the completion of whatever it is you have set out to accomplish. Finally, stay true to your vision and your purpose for which you have set a course. As we witnessed last week in the three men I highlighted (Presidents Lincoln, Kennedy and Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.), we observed three leaders as men of self-less determination, putting country first before personal accolades knowing they would face obstacles in seeking to complete their mission. We as men: leaders of our families or leaders of the workplace are no different.
As we face the week ahead of us, I ask that you take to heart what I have shared with you these last two weeks. Are you that man, that person who is willing by your actions, attitude, and accomplishments to seek to change the world in which you live in? It is again only a question you can answer. My prayer is that you will say yes; I am that man; that one person.
Until next week know I am praying for you to be that one person.
Walking with you,
