It’s said that if a dream is not bigger than you, then it’s too small. The same was true for Nehemiah. Inspired by God and the desolation of his people, Nehemiah mobilized a nation to do the very thing they wanted to do, but didn’t believe that they could do â€" rebuild the wall.

The mark of a good leader is in his ability to motive those around him. After Nehemiah proposed the rebuilding project to the people, they met the task with joy and a nation followed the vision of Nehemiah. Examine chapter three. Men helped rebuilt the wall, women helped rebuilt the wall, leaders and other officials helped rebuilt the wall, and some helped rebuilt the wall with of their children working at their side. Everyone took a section and did their part. And they did it with glad hearts â€" a testimony of effective leadership. But that’s what effective leaders do. They empower others and get the best out of them no matter what the task is. And with heart and conviction they inspire the unlikeliest of followers â€" other leaders.

In the movie Braveheart, William Wallace, fed up at the bickering and disunity of the leaders in Scotland, decides that he’s going to invade England with or without the rest of the clans. As he leaves, he’s met by Robert the Bruce, the heir apparent to the throne of Scotland. As they exchange words, William says something to Robert, a man who throughout the film continually questions his heart and convictions, that stirs something within him. He said, “There’s strength in you. I see it. And if you would but lead the people, they would follow you…and so would I.�

A leader’s ability is seen in the willingness of those who follow him.

A Man Who Stands Against Discouragement

Nothing will throw a wrench in progress like discouragement. Enter Tobias and Sanballat, two men who opposed the rebuilding of the wall. Day after day, they would watch the workers and heckle them. They attacked the quality of their work and the integrity of Nehemiah. But Nehemiah refused to be discouraged, instead turning to God and strengthening the people. His resolve was simple: I’ll work holding a sword in one hand and a trowel in the other.

Resistance is the measuring stick for anything we want to do great for God, plus it’s a good indicator that you’re on the right course. For Joshua, it was ten negative reports. For Elijah, it was a death threat from Jezebel. For Jeremiah, it was being thrown into a cistern. For Jesus, it was the Pharisees. And for Nehemiah, it was Tobias and Sanballat. But not even their lies and trickery could stop the work of God, nor could it discourage Nehemiah and the people. Why? Because they trusted in God, believed in what they were doing and refused to be discouraged.

The measure a leader is found in what it takes to discourage him.
Part 1
http://www.prodigalsonmagazine.com/life/2007/02/career_the_leadership_of_nehem.php

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