Read Nehemiah 6:15-19 & II Samuel 11:1.  In this passage you read that the wall of Jerusalem was completed, and in only 52 days!  This was definitely an awesome accomplishment and it would have been very easy to rest and even have a let down after this great success.  But all great leaders continue to revise their hopes and goals, especially in the work that God gives in building God’s city.

• Describe a time you had a ‘let down’ after successfully completing a major project?  
• What keeps you moving forward after a great success?

Read Proverbs 29:18.  Nehemiah knew that finishing a work didn’t mean he had finished THE work that God had called him to complete in restoring the city of Jerusalem.  In fact, in the very next chapter he is asking the question, what is next?  All great leaders continue to retain a future and forward focus, revising it at all times to stay in the step and will of God.  They also continue to paint a future picture for themselves and in those whom they lead.

• Do you tend to have a future focus in life or focus mainly on issues surrounding your daily living?  Why?
• Name a ‘focused forward’ life goal or God-purpose that you are working to complete?
• Do you have a picture of your future in your mind?  Describe it.

Re-Read Nehemiah 6:16, Joshua 1:3-5 & Acts 1:4-8.  The second attribute of successfully moving forward in God’s vision and work is to always recognize the source of your success.  Just as Nehemiah gave God the credit for this work, you must always remember it is by the Lord’s hand that you are also successful.  Not only is God due the credit, but God gives you the Holy Spirit to be your helper in all that you do.  When you live in the power and help of the Spirit, you demonstrate the fruit and work of the Spirit.

• What recent success in your life is due to God’s hand?  Did you initially give God the credit for that success?
• Which power do you typically live by: your own power or the power of the Holy Spirit?  Explain.
• How has the Holy Spirit helped you in completing a God-dream or life goal?

Re-read Nehemiah 6:17-18.  Finally, you must continually disarm the jealousy of others and yourself if you want to continue being successful in the will and goals of God.  It is too easy to resent others’ success or try to compare your life and work with theirs.  To be successful in rebuilding the city of God you must commit to work on your part of the wall, while others work on their part and together the whole city and kingdom of God will be built.

• Have you ever been jealous of someone else’s success?  Why?
• What steps or actions do you need to take today to reach your future goals?  What are some of the resources you need to put into that?
• Where is God calling you to build in the restoration of the city of God?