September 26, 2017. Nehemiah 1-5.

 

Nehemiah will be our guide in divinely and effectively volunteering!

We start by seeing Nehemiah as a responsive leader for Jerusalem, who was deeply concerned for all the surviving and distressed Jews. They were a city without walls and protection. This pretty much described the people’s state of obedience to the Lord. 

You gotta love Nehemiah’s heart and prayer for his people, in chapter one! His prayer was definitely God center, as he mentions Him 34 times by name and pronoun. 

Prayers that lasted for many days (Nehemiah 1:4) So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourning for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.

Or a quick prayer in the moment (Nehemiah 2:4) Then the king said to me, “What do you request? “So I prayed to the God of heaven.

He was a man that found the balance of prayer and action. 

I think his actions would reflect (Isaiah 6:8b)”Here am I! Send me.”

Wow, what a great start for anyone who has the heart to help and volunteer!  

Here are the some Volunteer steps that Nehemiah demonstrated for us:

• Recognize a need/project and own it.
• Begin praying about it.
• Determine our part/place in the project. Based on our talents, gifts, and yes, even our weaknesses should be considered.
• Involve the proper authorities and pursue permission.
• Research and access the total project.
• Maintain a level of accountability.
• Organize and inspire others to help in the work.  
• Address any opposition or misunderstandings immediately.
• Turn to God when discouragement or weariness arises.

Then as His servants step up in obedience, to the call, God Himself will want to prosper us. 

(Nehemiah 2:20) “The God of heaven himself will prosper us; therefore His servants will arise and build…”

But stay alert volunteers…the enemy will try to discourage and cause doubt in weaknesses. Others may start to question and mock you, when you least expect it.

(Nehemiah 4:1) But it so happened, when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, that he was furious and very indignant, and mocked the Jews.

VOLUNTEERS are just ordinary people with extraordinary hearts.

They offer the gift of their time to teach, to listen, to help, to inspire, to build, to grow, to learn.

They expect no pay, yet the value of their work knows no limit.

They’ve known the unexpected joy of a simple hug.

They’ve planted tiny seeds of love in countless lives.

VOLUNTEERS are just ordinary people who reach out and take a hand and together make a difference that lasts a lifetime.          (Author unknown)

Want to volunteer? What prayers and actions could inspire to serve others?  Already a volunteer…ask to be challenged in a new way?  Maybe it is not physically possible to participate-how wonderful to commit praying and be encouragement for those who are.

Because VOLUNTEERS will always be needed……