Enemies at the doors of your project

Enemies at the doors of your project
S - Neh 4:7-9 (KJV)
[The] Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem were made up, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth, 8 And conspired all of them together to come and to fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it. 9 Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them.

O - So Nehemiah now having arrived in Jerusalem to rebuild the wall that had been breech by enemies of Israel faced the daunting task of rebuilding in a hostile environment. He had already rallied and encourage his workforce to taking on the challenge, but they now faced the reality of the opposition to the work ahead of them. The opposition was not just the daunting physical task of rebuilding walls and gates, but doing so in an environment where outside forces would be against them while doing the work. First words of discouragement came from the enemies and then even the gathering of forces to come against those building the walls began. In each case Nehemiah lead courageously, standing on the strength of God, they submitted prayers to God, and then set up guards day and night in the breeched wall areas.

A - The application for leaders and project managers today remains the same as in Nehemiah's days. We are often brought in to work projects under hostile external conditions. My instinct is often to fight back when facing a hostile work environment, but we can learn alot from Nehemiah's response. First off his response was to make his prayer to God. His first instinct was not to fight back or prepare for battle, but rather lean on God. I know for me this instinct to lean on my own strength vice lean on the strength and wisdom of God is an area I need to work on. Second off He did not ignore the impending danger, but rather built his defenses, setting a watch day and night. And the results were he didn't even need to go to battle, the mere defensive posture created enough security for the workforce to do their job, while discouraging the enemy from approaching. That is my big take away that when it comes to opposing forces you may face on a project, it is best to have a good defense prepared rather than take the offensive.

P - Dear heavenly Father, thank you for wisdom and guidance you continue to give to me through Nehemiah. I pray Lord you would help me apply this to my own life and roles that I play. Lord I desire to be a leader like Nehemiah who turns to you when the enemy is approaching, and seeks a strong defensive posture rather than offensive. I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen