As surprising as this may sound, project management isn’t only done behind a desk, or in front of Powerpoint slides. We all indulge in this activity daily, be it following a diet, taking a trip around the world, or providing menstrual pads for young girls at the opposite end of the globe. opposition
Our projects will not necessarily change the world, nor always be glamorous, but putting our minds to something and actually accomplishing it, is enough to boost our self-esteem, and hence to be called a victory. Victory, because there were adversities you faced, which then account for the reason to wear a smile afterward.
Nehemiah in the Bible also had similar kind of issues. He set out to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem which was destroyed long before him and he encountered considerable opposition. We too will not be exempted from that, so this is what to expect.
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1. Psychological assault
Nehemiah was the cupbearer of the Persian king Artaxerxes. He one day had a report from where he originated, the province of Judah, that the walls of Jerusalem were completely destroyed and the city in ruins. Despite how concerned he was, he couldn’t do anything about it unless the king granted him permission, a king who cared less about Judeans and their fate (Nehemiah 1).
Every project begins mentally before getting its ground in the physical. Hence this is the first opposition, the first point of attack. We spend a lot of time fantasising about our dreams and hopes, but a great majority of those do not make it in the real world because it’s, too hard, too time- and strength-consuming, or too crazy. To make matters worse, when we get the courage to share it with someone else we stand the chance to be laughed at, humiliated, or underestimated. The gist is, opposers* do this to destabilise you morally (Nehemiah 2: 10, 19-20).
What to do:
Pray (Nehemiah 1:4-10).
Trust God (Nehemiah 2:4-5).
Trust yourself (Nehemiah 2:6-9).
2. Physical assault
Sanballat and Tobiah, Nehemiah’s hardcore antagonists were puzzled about the feeble Jews willing to do something this big. They tried to unsettled Nehemiah but seeing that didn’t work, they planned further (Nehemiah 4:7-8).
If your project successfully proceeds past the first stage of moral breakdown, it will be attacked head-on through sabotage, plagiarism, and/or competition from opposers*. The aim is to discredit you, or your project. This is when you have to prove its validity and necessity and certainly leave your comfort zone (Nehemiah 4:1-3).
What to do:
Pray (Nehemiah 4:4).
Have valid arguments (Nehemiah 4:14).
Know your stuff (Nehemiah 4:19).
3. Human disposal
Stricken by fear and unrest, the Jews began to give into Sanballat’s babbling. The wall they had successfully built half-way was suddenly too large to complete and in fact, there was no need to lose their lives over that (Nehemiah 4:10 and 12).
Depending on the magnitude of your project, whether it will affect your school, country, or the entire human race, opposition might be so strong that your life will be at stake. The reason is simple, if your opponents can’t harm your project, they will try to harm you or someone you care about by any means. This is unfortunately not only found in thrillers but is interwoven into our oh-so-lovely world (Nehemiah 4:11).
What to do:
Pray (Nehemiah 4:4-5).
Be vigilant (Nehemiah 4:13, 16-23).
4. Team Implosion
This is the step for which we are hardly prepared. When opposition starts to rain from inside. When members of your team all of a sudden speak different languages and get completely out of phase with you or with each other. Manifested by boycotts, disagreement, pride, it can affect more than one person. In the worst-case scenario, your number one ally becomes your most assiduous nemesis.
In Nehemiah’s case, the Jews didn’t try to trample over him as a leader, but they didn’t mind exerting authority over fellow Jews by charging them outrageous taxes. They were imploding, yes, but it had nothing to do with the wall-building project but everything to do with their own personal needs (Nehemiah 5:1-5).
What to do:
Listen (Nehemiah 5:6).
Find a solution (Nehemiah 5:7-13).
Pray (Nehemiah 5:14-19).
If you are alone on your project, even if it is pretty well-advanced, new information, a comment, or your own thoughts may step in, bringing in self-discouragement.
What to do:
Face yourself (Nehemiah 5:14-18).
Go back to the Word (Nehemiah 6:8).
Pray (Nehemiah 5:19).
The connecting string throughout the whole process of managing a project as you may have noticed is prayer.
We all are permanently one mistake away from downfall, so we can’t constantly be on our guard and be prepared for what life holds. However, we can constantly pray, even when we stop trusting God (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Also, for those system-breaking and rebuilding projects, their triumphant completion doesn’t guarantee you a safe and happy life, therefore even when you are done with them, prayer remains handy.
This is an extended version of one of our social media posts. You can get short versions of these weekly by following us at @tagyourblessings both on Instagram or Facebook.
Until next time !!!
Opposer*: Refers here to anyone who opposes you. Even if no harm is meant like with friends and family.
