How do we know when God is calling us to lead or serve? And how can we be prepared?
So often as Christians, we want to impact others for Christ, but we don’t know where to begin. When we see an opportunity, we struggle to discern God’s call. We question our gifts. We doubt our abilities.
If you’re wondering how to discern God’s call — and how to act on it — the book of Nehemiah can be a helpful place to begin.
Feel the Burden
Nehemiah opens with devastating news. Though many of God’s people were back in Jerusalem, opposition had left them discouraged and vulnerable. The remnant was “in great trouble and disgrace" (Nehemiah 1:3), and the city’s wall and gates lay in ruins.
Nehemiah responded, “When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned" (Nehemiah 1:4).
As Nehemiah prayed and fasted, God deepened his conviction and clarified his call.
Nehemiah’s heart was broken. He felt the burden of God’s work left undone. Can you relate? I certainly can.
Did Nehemiah hear an audible voice? No.
Did he receive instructions in a dream? He didn’t.
But as Nehemiah prayed and fasted, God deepened his conviction and clarified his call. What I love about this story is how God placed a unique burden on Nehemiah at the right time and in the right place.
This calls us to consider what breaks our hearts — and what God might be calling us to do about it.
Take the First Step
As an Israelite in exile, Nehemiah served the king of Persia as cupbearer. In this role, he was a trusted protector and advisor, constantly by the king’s side. For years, Nehemiah served faithfully.
But when he discerned God’s call to rebuild Jerusalem’s wall, he placed his position and influence in God’s hands. Standing before the king, Nehemiah made a bold request:
“If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in your sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it" (Nehemiah 2:5).
Nehemiah wasn’t uniquely fearless. Like most of us, when taking an uncomfortable step for the Lord, he “was very much afraid" (Nehemiah 2:2). Yet even as he spoke with the king, Nehemiah “prayed to the God of heaven” (Nehemiah 2:4).
God does not call each of us in the same way—but He is certainly calling each of us to something.
The king granted his request, and Nehemiah recognized God’s hand at work: “The gracious hand of my God was on me" (Nehemiah 2:8).
What do you need to place into God's hands to get the courage to take that first step?
Trust God to Prepare the Way
How did an exiled cupbearer become one of the most influential leaders of God’s people?
On the surface, a cupbearer turned builder and governor may seem unlikely. But consider Nehemiah’s position in the king’s court. He would have witnessed military strategy meetings and political negotiations. He would have observed how a leader responds to opposition and crisis.
Though Nehemiah had no formal training to lead a nation through rebuilding, God had placed him in a position of lifelong preparation.
In Nehemiah, we see that God does not call each of us in the same way—but He is certainly calling each of us to something. When we feel a nudge in our spirit or a burden for the Lord’s work, we can pause, pray, and seek His wisdom. He will clarify the call.
So where is God calling you to lead or serve?
The burdens we feel for people may be the answer.
Will we take the first step?