Thoughtful Action Makes A Great Leader | Nehemiah 2:11-12

So I went to Jerusalem and was there three days. 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. There was no animal with me but the one on which I rode. — Nehemiah 2:11-12 SHOUT OUT: Tim Trocha and Jake Salaba from Texas & Minnesota. These men keep me on track in my fitness journey. I couldn’t do it without these men and more in my life. Picture Nehemiah’s arrival in Jerusalem. He's on a divine mission, yet he doesn't make a dramatic entrance. Instead, after three quiet days, he discreetly inspects the city at night. This is a valuable lesson for leaders who are quick to act, and yes, that includes me. Here’s a challenging lesson I've learned: Leadership is more of a marathon than a sprint. It’s not just about quick decisions, even if sometimes swift action is necessary. Great leaders are more thoughtful and strategic. Today, I see leadership as a deliberate, long-term endeavor. Leaders juggle many tasks and projects. Nehemiah knew this. He realized that to complete his project effectively, within budget, and with supportive people, he needed to adopt a thoughtful approach. He didn’t quickly announce his plans. Instead, he took a deliberate approach, knowing this project would significantly impact his leadership legacy. As leaders, we’ve all rushed into decisions, whether in our work, families, or ministries. This speed is often confused with strength. But true leadership strength comes from patience and wisdom. It’s about leading for God’s glory, not ours. Eager leaders often jump in too quickly, seeking their glory instead of God’s. They misuse their God-given opportunities and talents, believing they're fulfilling God's will, only to misstep because they acted too quickly and in their own way. Informed action, guided by divine insight, is always superior to impulsive leadership reactions. It allows time for our ambitions to subdue and aligns our actions with God’s will. This means the eager leader has to slow down, or sometimes even stop. Often, the best decision for an ambitious leader is not to make a snap decision. It could be pausing before responding to a vendor, customer, or a crisis at a team meeting, or with family. The appropriate response might involve quietly assessing your heart and the situation. This isn’t passivity; it’s purposeful leadership. So, if you’re a leader prone to quick action — take a moment to reflect. Your leadership will have a greater long-term impact on your family and workplace if you take the time to ponder, pray, and plan. Try it today when you feel the urge to act quickly, but don’t take so long that passivity sets in. ASK THIS: Reflect on a time when you acted too quickly in a leadership role or in a personal decision. How did this haste impact the outcome, and what lesson did you learn about the value of patience and strategic thinking, as demonstrated by Nehemiah? Consider Nehemiah’s approach of quietly assessing the situation before acting. How can this principle be applied in your current leadership challenges, either in your family, workplace, or community? Discuss practical ways to implement this 'slow to act, quick to listen' approach in your daily life. DO THIS: Slow down, then act thoughtfully after your will realigns with God. PRAY THIS: Lord, grant me the wisdom to embrace patience and thoughtful deliberation in my decisions, just as Nehemiah did, and guide me to lead with Your purpose and glory in mind. Help me to discern Your will in every step, balancing swift action with strategic patience, for the betterment of those I lead and serve. Amen. PLAY THIS: Lead Me. Check out other all Vince Miller's videos and audios for small groups at: https://beresolute.org/ Get Vince's most widely read resources The Daily Devotional at: https://beresolute.org/mdd Check out more ALL IN products like the one Vince is wearing at: https://beresolute.org/product-category/all-in-hats/ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Connect with Vince socially: FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/millervince INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/vinceleemiller LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincemiller TWITTER: https://twitter.com/vinceleemiller