The Book of Nehemiah is both inspiring and challenging, just like Nehemiah’s vision to the people he led. His words inspired a great response to a desperate need, but they also addressed opposition to Nehemiah's vision. Today, we’re going to look at the inspired work behind his words.

First, let’s just review what’s been happening. Nehemiah saw a desperate need in the broken walls and burned city of Jerusalem. He responded with a plan and vision that got the people on their feet and put their hands to work. A desperate need will result in a compelling vision. And that compelling vision will create inspired work.

But lest we get off track, let me remind you what’s at stake in all of this: the glory of God. The purpose of change-making leadership is not ensuring you have a group of followers to lead or building a legacy you’re proud of. Those are important components, but they shouldn’t be the point. Leading for leadership’s sake is never an option. However, when we focus our efforts on God’s glory, the results speak for themselves.

When we cast a compelling vision in response to a desperate need, people will respond with inspired work. You will see people flourish in their sweet spots and gain passion in new positions. You will find volunteers serving with energy. You will discover God multiplying the work of their hands. You will also face opposition.

That’s what happened to Nehemiah. He cast the vision, and the people got to work. Yet it wasn’t without difficulty. First, there was some internal trouble. Once the people got over their initial excitement, the rigors of regular work wore them down.

“Meanwhile, the people in Judah said, ‘The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall’” (Nehemiah 4:10).

The strife wasn’t just internal; there was external strife as well. Look at how the rulers all around them responded.

“Also our enemies said, ‘Before they know it or see us, we will be right there among them and will kill them and put an end to the work’” (verse 11).

Inspired work will flow from people who are chasing a vision.

The external threat met internal anxiety with nearly insurmountable fear.

“Then the Jews who lived near them came and told us ten times over, ‘Wherever you turn, they will attack us.’”

No matter how well you plan, there will be opposition. Hard work is hard, and sometimes people will get tired. And there will always be someone who finds a way to profit from your failure. You may find such a person on the sidelines one day, rooting for you to fall. And with increased problems on your hands, you’ll have to face your fears.

The leadership lesson to learn in all of this is that inspired work will bring opposition. This will be the true test of your leadership. If you really want to be a change-making leader, you’ll have to go through the difficult times with a clear plan. Look at how Nehemiah handled his opposition.

“Therefore I stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families, with their swords, spears and bows. After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, ‘Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes’” (verses 13-14).

So, what’s the solution? There is never a silver bullet that eliminates all opposition. Once you think you’ve got it whipped, it will come at you from another angle. But there is a right response, and that is to have a clear strategy and keep repeating the vision.

The ABCs of Vision
In sales, they teach you the ABCs: “always be closing.” When it comes to leadership, maybe it should be “always be chasing” the vision. Always be putting it before your people, giving them a grand view and a clear path. Don’t assume they know it; tell them. Repeat it often. Inspired work will flow from people who are chasing a vision.

But that grand view of vision is not in place of, or alongside of, God’s glory. It is God’s glory. Your vision and God’s glory must go hand in hand. You must ask yourself how your individual vision for your unique church and community reflect God’s glory. To find the answer, you’ll need to spend some time with the people of your city, those who may never have been to church in their lives.

It will take time listening to the leaders God has put alongside you. And it will take time talking to God, seeking His face and His glory. Only after you get a clear picture of how your individual vision fits your unique circumstances can you trace the path of how God intends to reveal His glory to your world.

What Are You Fighting For?
Nehemiah was fighting for a future. Look at Nehemiah 4:14 again. Basically, he was saying, “We fight for the glory of God and the future of our families!”

Nehemiah’s vision inspired work, but it was his resolve that overcame the opposition. Nehemiah knew exactly what he was fighting for and was willing to do what it took to see it through.

What is inspired work? For me, it’s work that creates a great future for my family. I want to plant churches that my sons will one day want to attend. I want to see new ministries launched and old ones changed that future generations will be proud of. I want to see churches revitalized and re-energized so that they will remain relevant for years to come.

This isn’t about making a change for today; it’s about securing a place for tomorrow.

Inspired work is overcoming work. We work hard at our jobs. We push through adversity for a divine purpose. We do all we do because this is how we glorify God! Inspiration for change-making leaders in the church is never about a position or pride, but about making a place where God is lifted high.

See also Parts 1 and 2 in this series.