#19 NEHEMIAH | Communication

Dr. Stephen Phinney: When leaders reject the wisdom of a Biblical guide, the walls of protection around their family and calling begin to crumble.

Jun 12, 2025

COMMUNION WITH GOD

Communion and communication with God are the foundation of a leader’s life, rooted in truth, strength, and spiritual clarity.

When leaders enter into communion with God—whether through prayer, worship, or reflection—they are stepping into a sacred exchange that transforms the heart of their leadership. In this divine connection, leaders experience the power of His presence, where burdens are lifted, wisdom is revealed, and the indwelling Spirit is released for the journey ahead.

Listen to the podcast version:

1×

0:00

-7:13

COMMUNICATION WITH MAN

True communication with God is not merely speaking to Him, but listening for Him—allowing His inner voice to guide our steps, renew our minds, and align our hearts with His will. It is in this deep and personal relationship that we begin to see with the eyes of faith, trust in the unseen, and walk boldly in His leadership. The workers may offer distractions, doubts, and deceptions, but communion with God anchors us in the unshakable reality of His ordained leadership, His promises, and His eternal presence.

A leader rooted in communion with God!

The story of Nehemiah stands as a powerful example of a leader whose strength was deeply anchored in his communion and communication with God. His leadership was not merely about rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem but restoring the people’s faith, unity, and resilience. Through prayer, dependence on divine wisdom, and effective management of his workers, Nehemiah demonstrated what it means to lead with spiritual conviction and a practical strategy of Biblical communication with his workers.

Communion with God: Nehemiah’s Foundation

From the very beginning, Nehemiah displayed a heart of deep communion with God. When he heard about the devastation in Jerusalem, his immediate response was not to act impulsively but to fast and pray (Nehemiah 1:4). His prayer was marked by humility, repentance, and trust, acknowledging God’s sovereignty & leadership and pleading for divine guidance.

Rather than relying solely on his own wisdom, Nehemiah sought divine favor, recognizing that his mission was spiritually-driven. His communion with God was consistent, as seen throughout the book when he encountered obstacles. He repeatedly turned to prayer in moments of opposition, decision-making, and celebration. This unwavering connection to God ensured that his actions aligned with God’s will rather than personal ambition.

Communication with God: Prayer as His Leadership Tool

Nehemiah’s leadership was prayer-driven, making him unique among biblical leaders. Before speaking to King Artaxerxes, he prayed (Nehemiah 2:4). When facing threats from enemies like Sanballat and Tobiah, he prayed (Nehemiah 4:9). When assigning work to his builders, he prayed (Nehemiah 6:9). His reliance on constant dialogue with God enabled him to make wise decisions, endure challenges, and lead with confidence.

This pattern of seeking God first shaped the way he led others. His workers knew that their leader operated under divine guidance, implanting trust, obedience, and resilience among the people. He taught them that their task was not merely physical but spiritual, requiring faith alongside labor. His communication with God was not passive—it empowered his practical actions, influencing how he structured his team, handled opposition, and motivated his workforce.

Managing His Workers: Leadership with Integrity and Strategy

Nehemiah’s effective management of his workers reflected his spiritual foundation. He understood the importance of organization, communication, teamwork, and protection as they rebuilt the wall. He assigned work strategically, ensuring each family built the section closest to their home (Nehemiah 3). This personal strategy was brilliant, coming directly from God, and it delivered an investment that strengthened their commitment to the task because it benefited each family unit.

He also protected his workers, recognizing the threats from external enemies. Rather than succumbing to fear, he equipped them with weapons while they worked (Nehemiah 4:16-18). This dual approach—labor and vigilance in communication—demonstrated his wisdom as a leader. He refused to halt construction despite intimidation, keeping morale high by reminding the people to trust in God’s leadership through a mere human, Nehemiah (Nehemiah 4:20).

Unlike corrupt rulers, Nehemiah did not exploit his people. He refused to burden them with heavy taxation, choosing instead to lead by example (Nehemiah 5:14-19). His integrity made him a leader worth following, someone who prioritized the well-being of his workers above personal gain.

When leaders reject the wisdom of a Biblical guide, the walls of protection around their family and calling begin to crumble. Without truth as their foundation, their legacy is left vulnerable to deception, division, and downfall. -SR Phinney

Nehemiah’s communion and communication with God were the pillars of his success.

His ability to seek God at every step of his journey made him a resilient, wise, and compassionate leader. Through prayer, strategic thinking, and unwavering faith, he managed his workers with fairness, motivation, and protection, ensuring that not only were the walls of Jerusalem rebuilt but also the lives of their tribes and families inherited spiritual strength.

His legacy teaches today’s leaders that faith and leadership are inseparable. Leadership rooted in communion with God fosters wisdom, courage, and integrity, qualities that can transform communities and individuals. Like Nehemiah, modern leaders can learn to pray before acting, submit themselves to a modern-day Nehemiah, trust before fearing, and lead with both strength and humility.