Nehemiah 2:1-20

"So the king asked me, 'Why are you looking so sad? You don’t look sick to me. You must be deeply troubled.'
Then I was terrified, 3 but I replied, 'Long live the king! How can I not be sad? For the city where my ancestors are buried is in ruins, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.'" v. 2-3

"So I arrived in Jerusalem. Three days later, I slipped out during the night, taking only a few others with me. I had not told anyone about the plans God had put in my heart for Jerusalem. We took no pack animals with us except the donkey I was riding. After dark I went out through the Valley Gate, past the Jackal’s Well, and over to the Dung Gate to inspect the broken walls and burned gates. Then I went to the Fountain Gate and to the King’s Pool, but my donkey couldn’t get through the rubble. So, though it was still dark, I went up the Kidron Valley instead, inspecting the wall before I turned back and entered again at the Valley Gate.

The city officials did not know I had been out there or what I was doing, for I had not yet said anything to anyone about my plans. I had not yet spoken to the Jewish leaders—the priests, the nobles, the officials, or anyone else in the administration. But now I said to them, 'You know very well what trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire. Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and end this disgrace!' Then I told them about how the gracious hand of God had been on me, and about my conversation with the king.

They replied at once, 'Yes, let’s rebuild the wall!” So they began the good work.'" v. 11-18
Nehemiah wasn't ashamed to admit his fear, but he refused to allow fear to stop him from doing what God had called him to do. He acknowledged the kings position and clearly stated the response for his own sorow. When we allow fear to rule us, we make fear more powerful than God. Is there a task God wants you to do, but fear is holing you back? God is greater than all of our fears. Recognizing why you are afraid is the first step in committing your fear to God. Realize if God has called you to a taks, he will help you accomplish it!!

Secondly, Nehemiah arrived quietly in Jerusalem and spent several days careflly observing and assessing the damage to the walls. Following this time of thoughtful consideration, he confidently presented his plan. Nehemiah demonstrated an excellent approach to problem solving. He got firsthand information and carefully considered the situation. Then he presented a realistic stratagy. Before jumping into a project, follow Nehemiahs example and plan ahead. Check your information to make sure your ideas will work - be realistic. Then you will be able to present your plan.

Spiritual renewal often begins with one person's vision. Nehemiah had a vision, and he shared it with enthusiam, inspiring Jeresalem's leaders to rebuild the walls.

We frequently underestimate people and don't challenge them with our dreams for God's work in the world. When God plants an idea in your mind to accomplish something for him, share it with others and trust the Holy Spirit to impress them with similar thoughts. Don't regard yourself as the only one through whom God is working. Often God uses one person to express the vision and others to turn it into reality. When you encourage and inspire others, you put teamwork into action to accomplish God's goals.

Taken from the NLT Life Application Study Bible