Issue #80, April 25, 2012
Nehemiah’s vision was large but it was not general. Notice the first words he speaks to anyone else about his call. The king said to me, “What is it you want?” Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my fathers are buried so that I can rebuild it” (Nehemiah 2:4-5). Nehemiah’s vision focused on one specific action, rebuilding the wall. What can we learn from him about specific visions?
Specific visions provide focus.
The specific nature of Nehemiah’s vision enabled him to focus on the specific steps needed to accomplish the vision. We will look more closely at his plan in the next issue but for now, recognize that Nehemiah was not sidetracked to other worthy callings. He did not attempt to do many things, only one thing. Like Paul, he could say, “One thing I do…” (Phil. 3:13) Leaders whose vision is too broad run in many directions and their effort is scattered. Servant leaders seek to focus only on the specific task God has called them to do. This singular focus allows them to accomplish the task.
Specific visions develop with time.
We don’t know exactly how long it took Nehemiah to clarify his specific vision but it at least took several days of prayer and fasting. Often it takes significant time for a vision to become specific. Sometimes servant leaders start in one direction which is generally correct but over time the vision becomes more and more specific. For years I was called to develop as a leader and training others. I developed training materials on a wide range of topics from finances to family. Over time, God directed me to focus specifically on training leaders. The vision of servant leaders becomes more specific as they respond to God’s direction.
Specific visions shape the ‘not to do list.’
Because Nehemiah was specific about his vision, other things, by default, were not included. He was not called at this point to deal with the economics of the city, social challenges or the spiritual environment. His ‘not to do list’ was much longer than his ‘to do’ list. Most leaders enjoy what they are called to do but struggle to say ‘no’ to the things they are not called to do. Servant leaders perhaps struggle with this to a larger extent because their desire is to serve. God does call leaders to have the heart of a servant, but He does not call them to serve all people in every way. He provides specific areas in which He has uniquely called and gifted each leader to bless others. As God called me to work with leaders I needed to say ‘no’ to invitations not related to leadership.
Specific visions are easily communicated.
Nehemiah didn’t have any trouble articulating to the king what God had called him to do. It took only a moment and was not a confusing statement. Visions which are clear and specific can easily be articulated in a simple sentence. Servant leaders find ways to clearly express what God has called them to do.
Specific visions encourage diversity.
Leaders often look at the big picture and assume that to accomplish the goal they need to do many things. Instead, God sees the big picture and gives every leader a specific portion of the task. When everyone does their specific part, many things are accomplished together and God’s work is completed. Ezra was a contemporary of Nehemiah but he had a different vision, to restore the temple. When he and Nehemiah both did their part, the nation prospered. Servant leaders don’t compete for the prime positions or the most attractive visions. They realize that they are a part of all that God wants to do and they work with diligence to carry out their God-given vision. They are free to bless, encourage, and support others who have been given different visions. They see their role as complementary, not competitive.
For further reflection and discussion:
- Is my vision clear and specific so that there is no doubt in my mind exactly what God has called me to do? Is it becoming more specific with time?
- To what things does my vision cause me to say ‘no’? Have I been consistent in avoiding things that are not a part of God’s vision for my life? What makes it hard to say ‘no’ to these things?
- Can I communicate my vision clearly? Is it written down? Does it need to be revised or written in a different way? Does it stir passion in me?
- How does my vision fit into God’s larger plan? How can I bless and encourage others who are called to a very different part of His plan?