Are you facing and solving the problems under your leadership? (119-5)

One measure of a leader’s effectiveness is their problem-solving skills. Read Nehemiah 6:1-14.

While the walls were taking shape in Jerusalem, Nehemiah’s enemies Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem, themselves powerful leaders, tried to sidetrack him with a number of different strategies:

• They repeatedly tried to lure him out of the city inviting him to a summit but Nehemiah rejected their invitation and focused on the wall project.
• They accused him of what could have been a devastating lie; leading a revolt against King Artaxerxes. Nehemiah prayed for strength and confronted the problem head-on, exposing their lies.
• Through an “inside connection” Nehemiah’s enemies tried to intimidate him into violating the law of God by urging him to seek refuge in the temple. Nehemiah realized their motive was to discredit him and obeyed God by seeking His strength.

Problems are unavoidable. Leaders must face and solve problems. Nehemiah had a simple model:

• He retained his focus.
• He confronted false accusations immediately and with integrity.
• He sought God’s wisdom and strength rather depending totally on himself.

What problems are in your current leadership life? What resources has God already provided for you to solve the problem? Are you using the existing resources and doing everything you can to be part of the solution? Have you asked God to formulate a solution and are you able to trust God with the outcome?

1 Corinthians 1:30-31 “It is because of (God) that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God – that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written, ‘Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.’”