Issue #78, March 28, 2012
The vision to build the wall in Jerusalem was a specific vision that God gave Nehemiah and for that season of his life this vision was his personal calling. God had uniquely shaped his character and placed him in a position of influence to meet the critical need in Jerusalem. By the time he approached the King, he had prayed and was convinced that he was the one to build a wall. “…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 2:5). He was ready for action! He teaches us as servant leaders that visions from God are deeply personal.
Personal visions honor individual uniqueness.
God created Nehemiah with a unique set of gifts and abilities. He lived at the right time for the need in Jerusalem and was in the right position to influence the process. The vision was a perfect fit for him. God created each of us uniquely and will guide us to visions that fit who we are, the gifts and abilities He has entrusted to us and the time and place in which we live. You will not be called to accomplish what God has given me and I am not responsible for your vision. God has a unique plan for you!
Does this mean that I cannot follow someone else's vision? Of course not! It would be chaos if each of us were moving in completely different directions. God will often call us to support a vision He has given to someone else. I am doing so now. But I follow that vision with the confidence that this is the vision to which God has called me personally. So the vision becomes mine.
For reflection: What has God uniquely created you to accomplish for His kingdom purpose?
Personal visions produce passion.
At this point, Nehemiah was ready to leave his privileged position as the cupbearer to the King and undertake a dangerous and difficult journey to an insecure location. Why? Because his vision stirred a deep passion in his heart. This passion gave him courage to talk to the King. His passion would keep him going through the difficult moments and keep him focused on serving the residents of Jerusalem. A vision that is intensely personal will always stir passion in a leader. They share the vision with everyone they meet and can't imagine why anyone would not want to be a part of what God is doing! Sadly, many people have not discovered God's vision for their life. They live aimlessly and without the fulfillment that comes when passion is stirred.
For reflection: What stirs your passion?
Personal visions accomplish variety.
Because God provides personal visions to different servant leaders, much different work is accomplished. Nehemiah built the wall while Ezra met the need to rebuild the temple. The needs of our world are diverse and God works through individual servant leaders to meet those needs. One will have a vision to transform the marketplace; another is called to rescue street children. Another has a vision for community development while someone else impacts the world of education. God gives personal visions to servant leaders to accomplish all that He desires throughout the world. As we recognize this, we will be able to honor and respect the unique visions God gives to others while we accomplish the personal part He has given to us.
For reflection: In what way does your vision contribute to God’s larger plan?
For further reflection and discussion:
- Take at least 30 minutes to identify your own personal strengths, experiences and opportunities. In what way might God use these to shape His vision for your life?
- If you are following the vision of someone else, can you identify the ways in which this vision has become a personal part of your life? Can you say with confidence that God has called you to participate in this vision?
- Evaluate your level of passion for the primary work you are now doing. Does it stir you deeply in ways that produce passion in you? Would others describe you as a passionate person? Why or why not? If passion is lacking in your life what needs to change?
- How clearly do I see what I am doing as a significant contribution to the larger work of God in the world? Am I able to honor and respect those who are called to a different vision?