How do you achieve success? Much has been written about success and there are many schools of thought on what it takes to be successful. I recently read the book Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell which takes a different twist on why successful people are successful. It is an interesting book with a lot of good food for thought. But there is a time-tested formula for success that comes right out of the pages of Scripture, and it is found in Nehemiah 2. Here is the formula: Prayer+Plan+Opportunity+Strategy+Initiative+Perseverance=Success. Yes, it is somewhat complicated, but all six steps I believe are necessary to achieve the kind of success God would have for us.
Nehemiah, as we saw yesterday, began praying about the terrible situation in Jerusalem, the home of his forefathers. As he prayed, he also planned what it would take to fix the situation. This is evident by the fact that he was ready to give a detailed answer when the king asked what Nehemiah wanted to do about Jerusalem (vv5-8). As we pray and plan, we have to wait for the right time or opportunity. That is what Nehemiah did, waiting four months until the moment was right to approach the king. Opportunity is one thing when you are anticipating it, but it can be quite another thing when you are in the midst of it, and that is where strategy comes in (vv9-16). Nehemiah assessed the situation, which included the obstacles that he would have to overcome, and developed a more detailed strategy. Next, he put action to his prayers and planning by taking initiative to rally a team and begin work. Although it is not described in this chapter, the final step of perseverance is clear as you read through Nehemiah's narrative. Success doesn't come easy and there are many times when we will be tempted to quit, but we must persevere. Prayer+Plan+Opportunity+Strategy+Initiative+Perseverance--that was Nehemiah's secret to success and it can be yours as well.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at www.maxpoint.org/message_board.
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