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