Facing Intimidating Assignments with Confidence

Summary

Taking on God-given tasks can feel intimidating, but Nehemiah shows how to face big challenges with confidence. First, do your homework by gathering information, preparing well, and discerning whether the assignment is truly from God. Even insecure people can succeed when they prepare. Second, motivate others by identifying with the need and showing how the work honors God and brings purpose. Third, expect opposition because God’s projects always face resistance, but His plans cannot be stopped.

Some jobs intimidate us. We are afraid of failure. Nehemiah’s approach to intimidating assignments teaches us how to face daunting challenges.

Principle 1 - When Facing Intimidating Assignments, Do Your Homework

Nehemiah was not a plumber who knew how to fix a leak. He was the king’s food and drink tester. For the challenge he faced, he needed a different set of skills.

His assignment was to lead people he did not know in rebuilding a wall they might think unnecessary. Surprisingly, he volunteered for the job because of his heart for God and those who had returned to Jerusalem, 

He got the necessary papers to travel to Jerusalem. He gathered building materials along the way.

When he got to the city, he did not immediately announce half-baked plans to rebuild the wall. He quietly determined what the job was and how to do it.

Every semester in seminary, I received all class assignments on the first day of class. It was an intimidating list. I did my homework daily, and eventually, the seemingly formidable workload melted away like ice on a hot summer day.

God’s will is not behind everyone who asks us to do something. God’s Spirit helps us to discern.

When a request is not on God’s agenda for you, saying no is an option. When it is, it is disobedient to say no, even if you feel inadequate.

Most leaders feel insecure and inadequate. They often move to the front of a group to control it. The good news is that even insecure people can take on and complete tough jobs if they do their homework.

Principle 2 – When Facing Intimidating Assignments, Motivate Others to Join You

Teamwork is required to complete many jobs. A team of ants can carry an object that a single ant cannot.

How do we get a team behind us? The most effective team is internally, not externally motivated. It is the difference between a car with a working battery and one that always needs to be jumped to start.

How do we create internal motivation? Let us observe Nehemiah in action.

Nehemiah identified with the need. “Then I said to them, ‘You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace” (Nehemiah 2:17 NIV). We…us…we…. 

Nehemiah scratched where they itched inside. He told them that God’s name and people were being disgraced because God’s city did not have a fully functional wall. He showed them God’s project would be satisfying, fulfilling, joyful, and meaningful, and that they would finish it.

Principle 3 – When Facing Intimidating Assignments, Expect Opposition

God’s enemies always oppose His projects. Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem opposed the rebuilding of the wall. They insisted it wouldn’t happen.

Nehemiah told them it was God’s project, and they could not stop it. We can do what Nehemiah did. God has designed us, like Nehemiah, to rise like kites despite the perpetual wind of opposition against His will. What is your takeaway? See additional free spiritual growth resources for Christians.   #freediscipleshipresources #freeevangelismresources #freechristianleadershipresources 

God has empowered me to write His Power for Your Weakness—260 Steps Toward Spiritual Strength. It’s a free, evangelistic, devotional, and discipleship e-book. Pastors have used it in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia to lead 7,541 people to Christ and teach the basics of Christianity to 17,361 people. I invite you to explore and use it in your setting.

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