BIG QUESTIONS: Before we get an overview of his life I want you to wrestle with a question. "What do you believe would be the worst thing (short of death) that could happen to you? If this happened, what would this "big problem" do to your view of God?

NEHEMIAH's 1st BIG PROBLEM: Sorry for the pie in the face question, but it's one that Nehemiah faced at your age. His nation was over run by a foreign power and he was taken captive to live in their land, be raised in their schools and to find his future far from the family, home and youth group that he knew. Bad things do happen to good people. Big problems do spring themselves on people regardless of their view of God--small or BIG. Nehemiah starts his journey of faith and dependence on God as a young teenager who has had all of his plans, comfort and security ripped from him.

YOUR FIRST ASSIGNMENT: Before we actually begin to learn more about our BIG GOD from Nehemiah, I invite you to take a few moments to write down a list (or a journal entry, sketch or thank you note to God) that captures what you currently believe to be true about our God (the God of the Bible), Nehemiah and You.

Find the book of Nehemiah in your Bible. Nehemiah begins on page ______ in my Bible. Over the next 12 months we will get to know Nehemiah as a friend, an inspiration and as an unlikely personal hero.

YOUR SECOND ASSIGNMENT: I invite you to read through Nehemiah chapter 1-7 over the next month in preparation of our Spiritual Caffeine studies.

As you begin I want to prompt you with the following introduction:
Was it Nehemiah's leadership that calls us to study him? Maybe, but that’s not what made him one of the most memorable volunteer leaders in the history of the church. In reality, it was Nehemiah’s understanding of God that makes him so worth studying.

Particularly fascinating are a series of belief statements that reveal what Nehemiah believed to be true about our God. If these statements are true (and they are), then we can learn to live our lives as lay leaders as evidence of the active presence of a loving God. The example of Nehemiah can transform:
• your day at work or school
• your time with family
• your role as a volunteer leader in your local church
• your role as a volunteer leader in your community

I challenge you to take ownership of Nehemiah’s accurate view of God as you take your daily steps of faith. These daily steps of faith are the result of a simple grasp of the Big God who desires to be active and present in your life.

This includes the Davids, the Josephs, the Daniels and his friends Shadrach, Meishack and Awaywego (Abendigo).

A sometimes overlooked volunteer with a ministry heart named Nehemiah can help you get ready and live life inspite of the problems that are knocking on your door.

Study 1:
Intro

Study 2:
Background

Study 3:
Prayer

Study 4:
God's In Charge

Study 5:
God Joins Us In Our Struggles

Study 6:
God Graces Those Who Pursue His Purposes

Study 7:
God Actively Directs Us

Study 8:
God Accomplishes His Plans

Study 9:
God Fights For Us

Study 10:
God Is Worshipped In Our Obedience

Study 11:
God Is Worshipped In Our Daily Living

Study 12:
God Confirms Truth In Our Spirit

Study 13:
God Cares About A Leaders Character

Study 14:
A few conclussions

If you are a group leader, you can purchase an audio CD and printed study guide set of BIG GOD, small problems at www.cadreministries.com/store. You can direct questions, insights or prayer requests to the Cadre team by emailing info@cadreministries.com.