Are you willing to take a risk?

Game changers are moved by the needs of people and situations. Nehemiah became one of the most notable leaders of all time because he cared about other people.

Do you care about others?

Nehemiah had it made. Even though he was living in a foreign land and working for a heathen, King Artaxerxes, Nehemiah had risen to a position of great influence in the castle. Life was good for him, but it wasn’t good for his people back in Jerusalem. The bad report sounded like this: “They said to me, ‘Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.’” (Nehemiah 1:3, NIV)

Nehemiah was rocked by the bad news. “When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.” (Nehemiah 1:4, NIV) Nehemiah didn’t turn a blind eye to his people. He fasted, prayed, and decided to take a huge risk: he asked the king for a few favors.

What moves you to take a risk? Real game changers are compelled to risk it all for a new invention, career, national welfare, or compassion. Nehemiah overcame his fear of the king and the loss of his own comfortable life in order to address some serious issues back home. 

I’ll never forget the sacrifice my sister, Elaine, made. She had a good career as a pastor and counselor but gave it all up to move back to Montreal to take care of my mom. My sister could’ve stayed in Las Vegas where it’s warm and beautiful, but she gave it all up to move into a little apartment with my mom. Montreal is an amazing city; however, the winters are harsh, and summers can get quite humid. Elaine has been a massive game changer because she’s made a difference in all of our lives by her sacrificial decisions. She is one of my heroes. My mom celebrated her 100th birthday because Elaine and Joanne loved her well.

Game changers come in all forms, including famous ones and others who love in obscurity. Will you choose to step up and change the game because you are moved to change someone else’s life?

Because you are a miracle.