Commitment is the most important thing in a leader's life and comes before everything else. It was precisely because Nehemiah had it, and visibly displayed it, that the wall could be completed in just 52 days, even against every doubt about it. Nehemiah said the following about it:
Neh 6:16 And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.
Leaders who see a work through to completion have the following things in common:
- A compelling purpose. Their commitment serves an important reason.
- A clear perspective. They do not let fear cloud their view of the future.
- Continuous prayer. They pray over their concerns and live in the favor of God.
- Bold persistence. They press forward despite every adversity.
Nehemiah 6:15-19
The Wall Is Finished
15 So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days.
16 And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.
17 Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came unto them.
18 For there were many in Judah sworn unto him, because he was the son in law of Shechaniah the son of Arah; and his son Johanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah.
19 Also they reported his good deeds before me, and uttered my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.
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