Nehemiah 4:13
Above all, a leader prays...
In Ezekiel 22:33, we read, "I looked for a man among them to stand in the gap for the land, but could find none." The gap was that space between the hedgerows which left you most vulnerable to the enemies attack, but with the surest aim!
Public opinion had turned against Nehemiah, threatening the mission God called him to. That's when he called the families to move into open places, and take their stand.
Out from the shadow of the walls, an army emerged and stood defiant.
In the open place we see our enemy, and know his advances
In the open place we are more vulnerable, but less encumbered.
In the open place we decide, this far and no more.
The open place is the place of prayer. It's the place where God has stationed us to fight for our families, students and community. Here, the leader's heart is fed, cross checked for hidden sin, and softened by God's mercy. Here, the leader becomes emboldened through direct answers, and humbled by a view of God that can be seen nowhere else.
Can a leader ever possess a heart to lead, unless they're tested, and reshaped in the kiln of prayer? For make no mistake, few choose to station in the open place, because of the savage assaults they know will come.
Have you hit a few boulders, bent a few plows lately?
Is your family under attack?
Have you had disturbing dreams, restless nights?
Can you feel tension between team members?
Do you feel the pull of lust?
Good. You've got the old liar stirred, mad as a hornet, and hitting back. Don't leave your post. It's here where we see most clearly a blazing image of Jesus Christ, who stepped into the open place for us, and now wills us to go and do the same.
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