Leaders in Waiting
Today was my first physical and occupational therapy sessions as an outpatient at Northern Colorado Rehab Hospital. It was good to see many of the staff members that I knew from my in patient days. The focus of my physical therapy was on some at home exercises to address some of my deficiencies in my legs. I worked with some weights to strengthen my shoulders with the occupational therapist. I also had the OT run me through the reaction time assessment that is used for driving assessment. I was able to meet the “driving ready” qualification. They will work with me on the process of handling my wheelchair and or walker as part of the driving process.
I enjoyed a visit from my friend David Warren from Morrison. In our conversation we discussed the difference of stable families on a child’s development and the broader impact on our society. David also share with me that he had knee replacement surgery five weeks ago! I would have never known it if he didn’t tell me. A key to his successful surgery was some pre-surgery physical therapy to strengthen his legs.
We are now getting ready for a big weekend with a trip to Gunnison for my nieces’ college graduation.
 BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Lord God of heaven, great and awe-inspiring God, you faithfully keep your promise and show mercy to those who love you and obey your commandments…Lord, please pay attention to my prayer and to the prayers of all your other servants who want to worship your name. Please give me success today and make this man, King Artaxerxes, show me compassion.” “I was cupbearer to the king at this time.” Nehemiah 1:5,11 (GW)
 The exiles who had returned to Jerusalem under Ezra found the Temple built, but the walls of the city in ruin. In addition to the rubble and debris that discouraged them there were people who opposed their presence and plans. When Nehemiah heard this discouraging news, he immediately went to the Lord in prayer, before he even thought of addressing the King.
Some lessons from Nehemiah:
1- Pray before you act – This is something we see in Ezra and Nehemiah. They sought the Lord for favor and direction and timing as to how to respond to a need. Nehemiah prayed for favor and success. This is something we see consistently in Nehemiah’s life and leadership; even if they were short “moment of crisis” prayers.
2 – Recognizing God for Who He is – Nehemiah’s prayer begins with recognizing God for who He is and what He had promised to do for His people who obey Him. God’s people needed mercy more than anything at this moment. In recognition of this, Nehemiah confesses that God’s people have sinned including his family and himself.
While we see God’s people neglecting God’s commandments and ways during the reign of various kings; now that that they are in captivity we see a new generation emerging that understand God’s commands, and character and realize that sin brings judgment, but obedience blessing.
3 – Leaders Emerge in Crisis – Nehemiah was a cupbearer to the King. This was an important position, one of trust. However, it he tasted wine that was poisoned he was the one who was supposed to die Instead of the King, so he must have been view as dispensable. In other words, Nehemiah did not possess the position that Daniel did for example. But when his heart was moved and he sought the Lord, and the door was opened we see in Nehemiah a leader coming to the surface and uniting people to accomplish an overwhelming task.
I recall when I was in the State Legislature and the Republicans became the majority party. The mantle of leadership was now upon our members. It was interesting to see how those with the greatest responsibility prepared themselves for the task ahead. It was interesting to see the leadership that emerged from various members that served as committee chairs and in other roles. I actually commented about this to one of my colleagues, and she pointed out that the potential was always there in people, they just were never afforded the opportunity.
How many times do we see individuals not develop in leadership roles because they are never given the opportunity? The servant, the prayer warrior, others we would tend to overlook may have leadership potential God is waiting to unleash.
Some of the greatest lessons from the Bible are not in what God does, or in what takes place, but in the lives of those God uses. There is alway someone God is ready to use…maybe its you.