God’s People, God’s Work
Qualities That Ready Us for God’s Work: Lessons from Nehemiah
In Nehemiah 11-12, we discover powerful insights about what positions God’s people for effective service. Just as a runner prepares before hitting the trail, Christians need certain qualities that ready them for God’s work. These qualities not only prepare us for service but ensure we’re positioned to step up when God calls.
What qualities prepare us for God’s work?
The repopulation of Jerusalem in Nehemiah’s time reveals three essential qualities that ready believers for God’s purposes:
1. Seeking God’s Guidance
In Nehemiah 11:1, we see that the people “cast lots to bring one out of ten to live in Jerusalem.” This wasn’t mere chance—it was a deliberate act of seeking God’s will. The Israelites trusted God to reveal who should relocate to Jerusalem through this process.
For us today, seeking God’s guidance means:
- Studying His Word for direction
- Following the Holy Spirit’s promptings
- Engaging in consistent prayer
- Seeking counsel from mature believers
- Recognizing God’s hand in our circumstances
Unlike the ancient practice of casting lots, we discern God’s will through these spiritual disciplines. When we consistently seek His guidance, we position ourselves to respond when He calls.
The Christian life isn’t about following our own plans but surrendering to King Jesus and letting Him lead. The heart that seeks God’s guidance asks, “Lord, what would you have me do with my life? Where would you have me go?”
2. Living a Holy Life
Twice in Nehemiah 11, Jerusalem is called “the holy city” (verses 1 and 18). This wasn’t just a title—it reflected God’s desire for the city to remain set apart for His purposes. God wanted true Israelites who believed and walked in His law to populate Jerusalem.
For believers today, living a holy life means:
- Turning away from sin
- Pursuing Christ-likeness
- Growing in spiritual maturity
- Being set apart for God’s purposes
As 1 Peter 1:15 instructs: “But like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior.”
Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 2:20-21 that Christians are like vessels in God’s hands. When we cleanse ourselves from sin, we become “instruments set apart by God that are useful to Him” and “prepared for every good work.”
The reality is that God doesn’t reach for dirty vessels—He uses clean ones. While our salvation is secure through Christ, sin can still make us unfit for God’s work. Daily attention to guarding against temptation and pursuing righteousness keeps us ready for service.
3. Possessing a Willing Spirit
Nehemiah 11:2 tells us that “the people blessed all the men who volunteered to live in Jerusalem.” These individuals didn’t reluctantly accept their assignment—they volunteered with eagerness and joy.
A willing spirit means:
- Serving God voluntarily, not forcibly
- Having an open heart eager to do whatever God commands
- Putting God’s agenda above our own
- Surrendering our will to His
As the hymn says: “Wherever He leads, I’ll go.” This attitude of surrender asks, “Will I go where Jesus is leading me, even if it’s uncomfortable or unseen by others?”
Jesus modeled this willing spirit in the garden when He prayed, “Not my will, but yours be done.” He showed us that life isn’t about fulfilling our own desires but about fulfilling God’s plan.
How does God use different people in His work?
The remainder of Nehemiah 11-12:26 contains lists of people and places that teach us three important truths:
- We all matter in God’s work – From common Israelites to priests and temple servants, everyone played a role in God’s plan for Jerusalem.
- We serve in different ways – Some were administrators, others were warriors, gatekeepers, worship leaders, or advisors. God gifts us uniquely for different roles.
- We need each other – The laypeople, leaders, guards, and priests all worked together to maintain Jerusalem as a holy city where God was worshipped.
Life Application
God has equipped each of us with specific qualities and gifts to serve His purposes. This week, examine your life and ask yourself:
- Am I actively seeking God’s guidance? Have I been making decisions based on my preferences rather than God’s direction? Commit to spending time in prayer and Scripture, asking God to reveal His will for your life.
- Is there any sin hindering my usefulness to God? Remember, God uses clean vessels. Confess any known sin and recommit to pursuing holiness in your daily life.
- Do I have a willing spirit? Is my “yes” on the table for whatever God asks? Challenge yourself to surrender an area where you’ve been resistant to God’s leading.
- Where is God calling me to serve? Consider your unique gifts and the needs around you. Take a step toward serving in your church or community this week.
Remember, we don’t all serve in the same way, but we all matter in God’s work. When we seek His guidance, live holy lives, and maintain willing spirits, we position ourselves to be ready for whatever God calls us to do.