Going with a Plan

 

    Planning is like breathing to me.  Ideas are always popping into my head.  I don't sleep well because I struggle with shutting my brain off.  Planning is easy.  Getting the plan on paper is a little more difficult.  It can be a timing thing.  You can't exactly start writing when driving down the road.  However, if you don't get it on paper, then you are less likely to ever put it into action.  Pursuing a good plan is hard.

    Nehemiah was a smart and bold man.  Nehemiah came to work with his nation weighing down on him.  King Artaxerxes could have had Nehemiah killed for showing his emotions in front pf the king, but instead the king showed concern because Nehemiah had always been the professional.  Nehemiah could have shrugged it off and made some excuse, but he chose to be honest about what mourned his heart while he prayed in his heart throughout the interaction.

    Nehemiah asked the king to be allowed to go to Jerusalem to get the wall rebuilt.  The King could have been offended or shut him down, but instead he only asked how long would Nehemiah be gone.  He wanted a set time frame.  When Nehemiah gave it to him, the king gave his blessing and what he needed to make sure he would succeed.  

    The local officials, Sanballot and Tobiah, were not happy to see someone else come in to do the job they were supposed to be in charge of.  Nehemiah came with a plan to promote the welfare of the Jews.  That is a good thing, but it also highlighted how they were not doing their job.  Nehemiah was there three days resting and observing.

    During the night of the third day, Nehemiah inspected the walls and so called gates completely undetected.  He observed that the city laid in ruins.  He had a limited amount of time and he was not wasting a moment of it.  He never stopped planning, writing down ideas and thoughts for himself.  He did not share them until he had it down. 

    Once Nehemiah had a clearly set plan, he went to the priest, nobles, and officials to set in motion how to remove the disgrace of the city and rebuild.  The began the good work immediately.  Sanballot and Tobiah mocked them, but Nehemiah paid them no attention.  He had no room for stupid distractions an God had granted them success.  Once the plan was set in motion, it could not be stopped.

Nehemiah 2