“Champions trust God while others ask for answers.  They step forward while everyone else prays for volunteers.”  Dr. Lester Sumrall

One of the great examples and champions of the Old Testament was the Jewish figure, Nehemiah, who was exiled and made cup bearer to the King of Persia. Though he was pried from his native land, Nehemiah never let go of a deep heart cry for his oppressed people back in Jerusalem. Prayer proved invaluable to this standout as it allowed him to wait patiently, cleared his vision, granted him favor, and inspired him to a confident, difference-making resolve. Seeing that his homeland was in distress and vulnerable to attack, he set out under the blessing of the Persian king to restore the protective wall that surrounded Jerusalem. In spite of relentless opposition and great difficulty, the task was accomplished in a mere 52 days. He didn’t pray for volunteers. Instead, he stepped out under the cover of God to do the remarkable work he had been born to accomplish.

The Apostle Peter, in the New Testament, refers to these special kind of builders as “living stones.” Nehemiah literally embodied the term! He was a man loaded with leadership attributes who didn’t hesitate when called upon by God to take action. We have the same potential if we strive to walk as true followers of the greatest leader of all time, Jesus Christ.  The Bible says we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. It also asserts that it’s not by might or power, but by His Spirit.  In other words, God’s attributes are available to each and every one of us if we simply are open and determined to accomplish the unique assignment He has equipped us to do.

For the past several years, and for such a time as this, a group of us come alongside the Salvation Army and Mobile Ministries, two Christian groups with a heart cry for people neglected and abused in the Greater New Bedford, MA area.  We’ve had the privilege to help and to witness the gifts, selfless actions, and good-heartedness on the part of a number of special people.  There is no doubt these folks have been rock-solid in their efforts and dedication in providing a service team for the benefit of others. These builders have released their inner Nehemiah, behaving like champions or living stones.

Please know this… Prayer alone has tremendous value. When it is paired with appropriate, God-inspired action, it quickly takes the form of precious kingdom builders. Over the course of time, the essence of any activity, including our local effort, is summed up in this probing question:  Are we one who only looks for answers and/or prays for others to volunteer, or are we a “living stone” who steps forward to do what God has called us to accomplish? Let’s be challenged to recognize the need and respond as present day Nehemiahs.

1 Peter 2:4-5; Eph 2:20; 2 Tim 3:16-17