EquipHer Vol. 5: "Leadership Choices"Sample

Day 3: A Leadership After God’s Heart

In the journey of every leader, there come moments when it’s essential to anchor ourselves in our values and faith in God. Without integrity, it's easy to lose our way amid daily pressures or compromises. The Bible presents Nehemiah as a powerful example of leadership aligned with God’s heart, a leader guided by strong moral values. Nehemiah was a leader who, despite challenges, demonstrated unwavering commitment to God and the good of his community.

Nehemiah, a cupbearer in the service of Persian King Artaxerxes, faced a crucial moment when he learned about the devastation of Jerusalem. He felt a deep pain for his city and his people, but rather than staying in the safety of the palace, he chose to respond to God’s call. In those moments, the temptation to succumb to discouragement could have overwhelmed him. Instead, he chose to be a bearer of hope and strength, drawing from a source that transcended his human capabilities. The first thing Nehemiah did was pray and fast (Nehemiah 1:4-5), acknowledging that without God’s support, all his efforts would be in vain.

When he finally arrived in Jerusalem, the scene before him was bleak: a destroyed city and a weary, disheartened people. However, instead of being overwhelmed by the weight of the situation, he chose to be a light in the darkness. With words full of encouragement, he rallied the people around a common vision: “I told them how the hand of my God had been favorable to me… And they said, ‘Let us rise up and build!’” (Nehemiah 2:18). What a remarkable story! Under typical human circumstances, Nehemiah might not have had the strength to encourage the people, let alone lead the rebuilding of an entire city's walls, but he took on the responsibility of being a voice of hope and strength by surrendering to God’s will. What a wonderful example of leadership!

He perfectly embodies the principle that leadership is not just an exercise of authority, but an act of service and love. In a context filled with problems and discouragement, where hope was faint, his example invites us to reflect: what values are we conveying to those around us through ourdaily decisions?

In Proverbs 4:23, we read: “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” Keeping our hearts anchored in God allows us to face challenges with resilience. Nehemiah’s dedication showed that moral values and faith in God can not only rightly guide decisions but also transform lives. Every choice we make has the power to profoundly influence those around us, bringing light where there is darkness.

Reflection Question

• How can I become a bearer of hope for others, inspiring change and resilience in my community?

Prayer

Lord, teach me to stay anchored in my values, even in times of challenge. Help me to recognize Your guidance and to become a source of hope for those around me. May my actions and decisions reflect Your love and bring strength and hope to those who are discouraged. Amen.