August 16, 2006

 

Then I arose in the night, I and a few men with me.  And I told no one what my God had put into my heart to do for Jerusalem.

 

--Nehemiah 2:12

 

The world often defines a leader as someone who’s in the spotlight…someone who gets all the attention. But God’s idea of a leader involves far more than just being in the limelight.

 

Nehemiah was a true leader. While he led people to Jerusalem to rebuild the broken walls of the city, it was his actions and dedication for four months leading up to the journey that really made him a great leader.

 

An effective leader must prepare in private before they can lead in public.

 

That’s why Nehemiah prayed in private for months to make sure his plans lined up with God’s.  

 

Great leaders know the practice of solitude. Even Jesus spent hours and hours alone with His Father on a regular basis.

 

What happens in the public eye must first happen in the heart of a leader. Are you willing to pay the price of isolation in order to be successful for the Lord? Pray today that He would burn in your heart the desire to spend time alone with Him.

 

GREAT LEADERS KNOW THE PRACTICE OF SOLITUDE.