#8: Read & Be a Nehemiah

Last December I started a list of 12 Little (or Big) Things Every Filipino-American Can Do To Help Their Mother Country. My last entry was in late May 2009 and I'm resuming it today.

Today is #8 - Read & Be A Nehemiah.

Critics and complainers come a dime a dozen these days. It is easy to analyze, scrutinze, and talk about all the problems in the world. But what we really need are people who will not just discuss a situation but who will do something about it.

Nehemiah is a recent discovery for me. But there are many things about him that resonate with me. He was grieved instantly when he heard about the conditions of the city of his ancestors. And he felt compelled to do something about it. But before he moved into action, he prayed. And all throughout the book of Nehemiah, you see his heart for people, his heart for prayer, and his heart of courage. He did not let the immensity of the task, opposition, or security and comfort keep him from answering the call.

Below is a profile summary of this great man from my study Bible. Are there any Nehemiahs amongst you - the Fil-Ams in the states - to do something great or impossible for your mother country? I challenge you to read this book and be inspired.

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Nehemiah - from the Life Application Study Bible

God is in the business of working through His people to accomplish seemingly impossible tasks. God often shapes people with personality characteristics, experiences, and training that prepare them for His purpose, and usually the people have no idea what God has in store for them. God prepared and positioned Nehemiah to accomplish one of the Bible's "impossible" tasks.

Nehemiah was a common man in unique position. He was secure and successful as cup-bearer to the Persian king, Artaxerxes. Nehemiah had little power, but he had great influence. He was trusted by the king. He was also a man of God, concerned about the fate of Jerusalem.

Jerusalem's wall was in ruins, and the news broke his heart. As he talked to God, a plan began to take form in Nehemiah's mind about his own role in the rebuilding of the city walls. He willingly left the security of his home and job in Persia to follow God on an "impossible" mission. And the rest is history.

From the beginning to the end, Nehemiah prayed for God's help. He never hesitated to ask God to remember him...Throughout the "impossible" task, Nehemiah displayed unusual leadership. The wall around Jerusalem was rebuilt in record time, despite resistance. Even Israel's enemies grudgingly and fearfully admitted that God was with these builders. Not only that, but God worked through Nehemiah to bring about a spiritual awakening among the people of Judah.

You may not have Nehemiah's unique abilities or feel that you are in a position where you can do anything great for God, but there are ways you can become useful to God. First, be a person who talks to God. Welcome Him into your thoughts and share yourself with Him--your concerns, feelings, and dreams. Second, be a person who walks with God. Put what you learn from his Word into action. God may have an "impossible" mission that he wants to do through you.

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Numbers from Brian Alonzo on Vimeo.

You will find the posts for #1-7 below:
Intro: To My Filipino-American Friends
#1 Know Where You Came From
#2 Know Our Heroes
#3 Live a Life of Gratitude
#4 Resdiscover Your Roots
#5 Sponsor-A-Child
#6 Pursue Excellence
#7 Recognize Your Sacred Accountability Being Fil-Am