Just how important a good example can be is forcefully illustrated in the case of Nehemiah. Opposition to his rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem was intense. Nevertheless, trusting in Jehovah and continually making the work a subject of prayer, Nehemiah courageously directed the job and also had an active personal share in the actual rebuilding. What was the result? Just fifty-two days after construction work began it came to a successful completion.​—Neh. chapters 4, 6.

In connection with the rebuilding of the temple and of the walls of Jerusalem, good organizational arrangements were needed to get the work done. Nehemiah, for example, had to take the initiative to adjust these arrangements to fit the circumstances. As the rebuilding work made good progress, Sanballat, Tobiah and neighboring peoples intensified their opposition and conspired to fight against Jerusalem. Nehemiah made this a matter of prayer, encouraged the people to trust in Jehovah, armed the workmen, arranged for others to stand guard and outlined an alarm system. The work then continued, totally frustrating the schemes of the enemy.​—Neh. 4:7-20.