The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; he guides it wherever he pleases. (Proverbs 21:1)

There are few areas of life in which we live or work that do not come ready-equipped with a superior—a boss or other authority figure. It is our task to develop qualities of leadership germinating within ourselves while still being accountable to these superiors in our individual spheres of influence. That isn’t easy! Leaders are usually better at leading than being led.

“The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord” (Proverbs 21:1). Because the Lord has the king’s heart in His hand, He literally “causes it to be bent” wherever He is pleased. What is true of the king is true of your superior! To understand your boss, you must become acquainted with God’s method of operation, for the Lord has the heart of your superior in His hand.

Nehemiah sought the Lord in prayer because he knew that was the only way to change the king’s heart. He prayed for guidance and correction, then waited patiently—four full months—before anything changed. The prayer warrior quickly learns the patience of waiting.

God honoured that patience. This was the moment Nehemiah had been awaiting! God opened the door. The king’s heart was in the hands of Yahweh. God had adjusted the thinking of King Artaxerxes so that he was receptive to his employee’s wishes. “What do you want, Nehemiah? What’s worth getting sad over?” (Nehemiah 2:1–2).

Nehemiah bared his heart before his boss and waited for his response. And the king said, “Fine. You may go.” The king granted the letters—official “tickets” to get Nehemiah through. For four months, in the solitude of his prayer closet, Nehemiah had faithfully bombarded the throne of God: “Lord, send me to Jerusalem. Change the heart of the king so that I can go.” And so Nehemiah had no doubt about the reason for this turn in events.

When the Lord has His hand on His appointed leaders, it’s like a strong current moving people to respond. The Lord’s hand was upon Nehemiah—and off he went, excited as he could be. Perhaps today God is calling you to trust Him with the heart of the person over you. Tell God about them. Let Him at them. And while you wait, just relax.

Taken from Hand Me Another Brick by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 2006 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. Used by permission of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. www.harpercollinschristian.com