man of action

Overall, this is what happened in Nehemiah 1-2:

• Nehemiah is broken by the current situation in Jerusalem, because he sees what God sees, his heart is close to God's (like Hosanna song, "break my heart for what break Yours".So God gives Nehemiah a vision.
• Nehemiah spends lots of times seeking God in prayer and fasting.
• Nehemiah was the cupbearer to the king, so he was in a situation of influence to do something.
• Nehemiah takes action to speak to the king in midst of fear (not easy to just talk to the king I guess).
• From the conversation with the king, it seems that Nehemiah has thoroughly planned many things ahead.
• Nehemiah surveys the walls and then shares the vision to the other Israelites, who are encouraged to see God's work in Nehemiah, and are pumped up to rebuild the walls!

I really admire Nehemiah because of his willingness to take action. It's one thing to see that something is wrong and complain about it, but it is another one to really do something about it.

One of my close brothers, Herman, said this quite often: "If you see a problem in the fellowship, you're likely the best person to do something about it". That reminds of my first ministry in CCF, which was welcome team. I used to be very scared of CCF because of its big size, and I felt unwelcomed. Somehow I served in the welcome team in my 1B, and I found that I could relate a lot with the shy newcomers.

This is not to say that we should always serve because of a need (that can lead to burnout), but that a need is an indication of something. If we see a need, instead of complaining about it we should talk to other brothers and sisters, and see God in prayer to see how can this need be met.

In general, the problem is people not taking action in fellowships is quite apparent. I can think of 3 reasons now why people usually don't like to take action: I don't feel passionate about it, it's scary, I don't have enough time. I think I talk about it a bit in one of my past post. I just gonna focus on the first two. 

I don't feel passionate about it

In the past, I have burnt out because there are things that I do are based solely on meeting a need or fulfilling a duty. Some other brothers and sisters from CCF experienced similar problems, so the fellowship put a big emphasis on serving on areas that "you feel passionate for". I agree with the concept, because God  is who works in each of us, and He will accomplish His purpose by using us, so there should not be any room for burnt out. So if we are doing what God wants, then it should be ok. The danger of this statement is that it gives a sense that doing what you're passion for is always being pleasant and smooth, without difficulties or hardships. But the reality is that there will be tough times when I don't really want to keep on doing ministry, but it is only God who pushes me to continue. 

Being "passionate" is not just a emotional feeling, but a willingness and conviction to suffer for the cause.

My point is that we should not rapidly close a door to serve in a certain area because we don't feel passionate about it. There are other factors like fellowship's needs and responsibility that are often neglected.

In the case of Nehemiah, he was indeed emotionally affected by the broke walls, but later on he faced many struggles and opposition, and it wasn't easy. It is the assurance of knowing that God is in his side that carried him through.

It's scary

It must have taken quite a lot of courage for Nehemiah to speak to the king. Like, if someone do or say something "wrong" to the king, he can order that person to be killed. But Nehemiah decided to take action. He spent 4 months praying, and was praying as he talked to the king, so it shows that relying on God carried him through.

One of my greatest joy in serving is that it really puts me in situations where I have no place to go but to rely on our merciful God.

I think the we need more men of action. There are many attendants in a fellowship, but not so much participants who actively contributes to the body of Christ. The reason why a fellowship might not be as impacting is because maybe "one arm" and "one leg" are not taking action. Imagine how beautiful it is, if all the members of the fellowship co-partners displaying the full potential of the body of Christ!

As a child, I really liked Dragon Ball Z. There is this movie called "Wrath of the Dragon: If Goku Can't Do It, No One Can", which I actually haven't watched entirely. Nevertheless, I really like the title. If Goku can't do it, one one can! If we are not doing what we suppose to do, then who will?