6. ALIGN Yourself with God’s AUTHORITY to Successfully Carry Out the Vision

For Nehemiah to do what God laid on his heart to do, he needed to align himself with the authority of King Artaxerxes. As cupbearer to the king, Nehemiah wasn’t ever supposed to be sad in the king’s presence because that was considered an insult punishable by death.

But one day, Nehemiah couldn’t hide the burden God had given him any longer. He was downcast, and the king asked what was wrong. Nehemiah answered, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ graves, that I may rebuild it” (Nehemiah 2:5).

Every kingdom-building endeavor should aim at pleasing the king (Jesus) and not make a name for ourselves.

When we seek to align ourselves with God’s will concerning His kingdom, He promises we’ll have everything we need at our disposal, including favor with those who are in authority to accomplish our assignment.

Nehemiah waited to return to Jerusalem until he had the king’s favor. And not only did the king send Nehemiah with his blessing, but King Artaxerxes also gave him a letter of authority to grant him safe passage, materials with which to rebuild, and the people to help him with the task of rebuilding the wall.

It’s the same with us. We need to wait for God’s blessing and timing on our work. Scripture tells us that we have been enriched in every way, and we do not lack any spiritual gift for building God’s kingdom.

Where do you feel like you’re lacking in your assignment? Ask God to show you where you’ve possibly gotten out of alignment with Him. Are you waiting for His timing and blessing?