Persevering in Leadership
Nehemiah 4:1 – 23
Lt. Michael Murphy
Persevering in Leadership“Nothing can take the place of persistence. Talent will not. Nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not. Unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not. The world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.” – Calvin Coolidge
Persevering in Leadership• Nehemiah’s perseverance is highlighted in
chapters 4,5,6 and 13
Persevering in Leadership• Nehemiah’s perseverance is highlighted in
chapters 4,5,6 and 13• His passion gets 2 verses
Persevering in Leadership• Nehemiah’s perseverance is highlighted in
chapters 4,5,6 and 13• His passion gets 2 verses • His prayer gets 11 verses
Persevering in Leadership• Nehemiah’s perseverance is highlighted in
chapters 4,5,6 and 13• His passion gets 2 verses • His prayer gets 11 verses• His planning gets 5 verses
Persevering in LeadershipI) The Ridicule of the Enemy (v.1 – 6)
Persevering in LeadershipI) The Ridicule of the Enemy (v.1 – 6)• Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem seek to
demoralize the work by mockery
Persevering in LeadershipI) The Ridicule of the Enemy (v.1 – 6)• Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem seek to
demoralize the work by mockery • Nehemiah ignores them, prays, and carries on
Persevering in LeadershipII) The Physical Intimidation of the Enemy (v.7 – 14)
Persevering in LeadershipII) The Physical Intimidation of the Enemy (v.7 – 14)• Jerusalem is fully surrounded by enemies
Persevering in LeadershipII) The Physical Intimidation of the Enemy (v.7 – 14)• Jerusalem is fully surrounded by enemies• Gone from verbal to physical threats
Persevering in LeadershipII) The Physical Intimidation of the Enemy (v.7 – 14)• Jerusalem is fully surrounded by enemies• Gone from verbal to physical threats• Nehemiah prays again
Persevering in LeadershipII) The Physical Intimidation of the Enemy (v.7 – 14)• Jerusalem is fully surrounded by enemies• Gone from verbal to physical threats• Nehemiah prays again• The people waver and criticize Nehemiah’s efforts
Persevering in LeadershipII) The Physical Intimidation of the Enemy (v.7 – 14)• Jerusalem is fully surrounded by enemies• Gone from verbal to physical threats• Nehemiah prays again• The people waver and criticize Nehemiah’s efforts• Nehemiah takes decisive action and LEADS
Persevering in LeadershipIII) Nehemiah Adjusts and Perseveres (v.15 – 23)• God steps in and frustrates the enemies plans
Persevering in LeadershipIII) Nehemiah Adjusts and Perseveres (v.15 – 23)• God steps in and frustrates the enemies plans• He institutes change and continues working
Persevering in LeadershipIII) Nehemiah Adjusts and Perseveres (v.15 – 23)• God steps in and frustrates the enemies plans• He institutes change and continues working• The mindset of “sword and trowel”
Persevering in LeadershipIV) Application• How will you persevere?
Persevering in LeadershipIV) Application• How will you persevere?• Are you living for something bigger than
yourself?
Persevering in LeadershipIV) Application• How will you persevere?• Are you living for something bigger than
yourself?• Christian leaders live with a sword in one hand
and a trowel in the other
Persevering in Leadership
Nehemiah 4:1 – 23