T.M. Kayode

It’s the beginning of the year, and everywhere you look, people are buzzing with plans, resolutions, vision boards, and goal-setting exercises. Our collective self-consciousness seems flooded with the idea of visioning—thinking about what we want to achieve, who we want to become, and the direction we want our lives to take. But amidst all this, I think it’s crucial to pause and talk about what it means to truly capture and run with a God-given vision.

Today, I’d like us to explore these questions and take a deep dive into the story of Nehemiah—a man who not only captured a God-given vision but also stewarded it to completion with faith, perseverance, and strategy.

What is a God-Given Vision?

Let’s start with a simple definition:

A God-given vision is a clear mental picture of what could be, fueled by the conviction that it should be.

Unlike a mere dream or goal, a vision isn’t something we conjure up on our own. It’s something we receive—a seed planted by God that grows into clarity as we spend time in prayer, reflection, and obedience.

Andy Stanley, in his book Visioneering, describes vision as starting with a concern. It often begins as a burden—an ache in your spirit when you encounter something that isn’t as it should be. That burden becomes a call to action, a divine nudge urging you to partner with God in restoring, building, or transforming.

Vision differs from goal-setting in a key way: goals are human-centered and focused on measurable outcomes, while vision is God-centered and rooted in divine purpose. A goal might be, “I want to save $10,000 by the end of the year,” but a vision says, “God has called me to empower young entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses that transform their communities.” One is about personal achievement; the other is about divine alignment.

Meet Nehemiah: The Man with the Vision

Nehemiah’s story begins in Nehemiah 1:1, where we learn that he is the son of Hacaliah and a cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia. The cupbearer wasn’t just a servant—it was a trusted and influential position, as the cupbearer often acted as an advisor to the king.

Despite living in Persia, Nehemiah’s heart was still tied to his homeland, Jerusalem. His story unfolds in a way that shows us how God plants a vision, matures it in our hearts, and gives us the tools to carry it out.

Let’s break it down:

Step 1: The Vision is Born (Nehemiah 1:1-11)

In Nehemiah 1:2-3, Nehemiah asks some men about the state of Jerusalem and receives devastating news: the walls of the city have been broken down, and its gates burned with fire. This wasn’t just about physical walls—it symbolized a lack of safety, dignity, and identity for God’s people.

Nehemiah’s response in verse 4 is telling. He didn’t shrug it off or think, “Well, I’m in Persia; there’s nothing I can do.” Instead, he wept, mourned, fasted, and prayed. His heart broke for the city.

This is where every God-given vision begins: not with an action plan or a strategy, but with a burden that leads him to his knees in prayer. Nehemiah’s burden for Jerusalem wasn’t just an emotional reaction; it was the seed of a vision planted by God. His prayer in verses 5-11 reveals his dependence on God. He acknowledges Israel’s sins, reminds God of His promises, and asks specifically for favor when he speaks to the king.

Lesson: A God-given vision often starts as a holy discontent with the way things are. Pay attention to the burdens that stir your heart—God may be using them to reveal your purpose.

Step 2: The Vision is Refined (Nehemiah 2:1-8)

Here’s something we don’t talk about enough: Nehemiah didn’t act immediately.

Four months pass between Nehemiah’s initial burden and his conversation with the king (compare Nehemiah 1:1 and 2:1). During this time, Nehemiah wasn’t sitting idle. He was praying, planning, and preparing for the moment God would open a door.

In Nehemiah 2:1-3, the opportunity comes. The king notices Nehemiah’s sadness and asks what’s wrong. This was a pivotal moment—approaching the king with such a request could have gone very wrong. But Nehemiah, having prayed for favor, boldly shares his vision to rebuild Jerusalem.

When the king asks what he needs, Nehemiah doesn’t hesitate. He requests letters for safe passage, timber for construction, and the authority to govern Judah. The king grants all his requests because “the gracious hand of God was on him” (Nehemiah 2:8).

Lesson: A vision requires preparation. Use your waiting period to pray, plan, and gather the resources you’ll need when the opportunity arises.

Step 3: The Vision is Executed (Nehemiah 3-6)

Nehemiah arrives in Jerusalem and immediately assesses the situation. In Nehemiah 2:11-16, he inspects the walls at night, formulating a strategy before presenting his plan to the people.

In Nehemiah 2:17-18, he casts the vision to the people, sharing his burden and the favor God has already shown him. The people respond enthusiastically, saying, “Let us rise up and build.”

The work begins, but it’s far from smooth sailing. Opposition arises in the form of ridicule, threats, and sabotage (read Nehemiah 4 and 6 for the full drama). Yet, Nehemiah remains focused and resilient, encouraging the people to trust God and continue the work.

Despite the challenges, the wall is completed in just 52 days (Nehemiah 6:15).

Lesson: A God-given vision will face opposition, but with faith, focus, and perseverance, you can overcome it.

Practical Steps to Run with a God-Given Vision

1. Identify the Burden
   What breaks your heart? What stirs your spirit? Pay attention to these feelings—they may be the seed of a vision.
2. Pray and Seek God’s Guidance
   Like Nehemiah, bring your burden before God. Ask for clarity, direction, and favor.
3. Plan and Prepare
   Use your waiting period to research, strategize, and gather resources. Trust that God will open the right doors at the right time.
4. Act in Faith
   When the opportunity comes, don’t hesitate. Step forward boldly, trusting that God has already gone ahead of you.
5. Stay Focused
   Expect challenges, but don’t let them derail you. Keep your eyes on God and the vision He has given you.

Final Thoughts

Nehemiah’s story is a powerful reminder that when God gives you a vision, He also provides the grace, resources, and opportunities to fulfill it. Your job is to remain faithful—pray, plan, and act when the time comes.

So, what burden has God placed on your heart? What vision is He calling you to run with in this season? Take a moment to reflect, pray, and write it down.

Remember: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.” – Habakkuk 2:2

Let’s rise up and build—whatever God has called us to.

Byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!