One of the tests of leadership is how he/she handles opposition. The opposition Nehemiah faced externally was ridicule (4:1-3), resistance (4:7-8) and rumor (4:11-12; 6:6), deceit

(6:10-11) and false reports (6:17) while internally he faced disputes about food, property and taxes (5).

• Expect detractors.
• Don't give them the time of day.
• Trust God to protect you and your reputation
• Keep your hands to the plow and don't look back.

• Rely on God (4:4-5).
• Respect the Opposition (4:9).
• Reinforce their weak points (4:13).
• Reassure the people (4:14).
• Refuse to quit (4:15).
• Renew the people' strength continually (4:16-23). ^[1]

How Nehemiah Dealt with Opposition

Nehemiah and the Opposition Party

It is interesting to note that Nehemiah was not opposed by other leaders of different faith. Rather he was opposed by leaders of similar faith. The reason he was opposed was not that he was some wrong things. Rather, ironically, he was opposed for doing the right or good things. "But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard of my arrival, they were very displeased that someone had come to help the people of Israel" (2:10). Hence, it would be wrong to assume that opposition from others means a leader is doing some wrong things. To be opposed by other leaders for doing wrong is understandable. It is also possible that quite often, others may oppose because the leader is doing the right thing! Therefore, it behooves all leaders to remember that in opposing others we may might be opposing the plan of God. Hence, discernment and wisdom are required  

In doing God's work, not all will support you. The nobles of Tekoa (3:5) were lazy and wouldn't help. They did not support the rebuilding project. Others included Shemaiah (6:10), Noadiah (6:14), and other nobles (6:17) were working against Nehemiah.

When opposition increases, instead of praying, "Lord, get me out of the situation", Nehemiah prayed "Strengthen my hands!" He showed determination and responsibility to finish his task.

       Completion of the City Walls (15-16)

The rebuilding project of the city walls was completed in 8 weeks or 52 days in spite of opposition, obstacles, difficulties and internal and external crises. "So, on October 2 the wall was finished—just fifty-two days after we had begun"(6:15).

There was a response from the surrounding Nations. "When our enemies and the surrounding nations heard about it, they were frightened and humiliated. They realized this work had been done with the help of our God" (6:16).

• Recognition that the completion of the walls was a Great Achievement
• Recognition that it was made possible with the help of God.

Following the completion of the walls, there was a celebration and a dedication service. Ezra and Nehemiah organized two choirs marching and singing led by the Levites, singers, leaders and workers and parading round the walls. The priests read from the Law of Moses. Nehemiah included everyone in the celebration (see 12:27-47).   

Conclusion

Of all the books in the Bible, the book of Nehemiah has always been the choice when it comes to the issue of leadership. When he first heard the city walls were in ruins, he was sad and crushed. But, he decided to do something about it.

Nehemiah was able to inspire and influence a group of people to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He challenged and motivated the people to rise up, repair and rebuild the ruined walls. He raised the people from mediocrity - from a demoralized and discouraged people to a great people.

When crises erupted (externally and internally) he exercised courageous leadership qualities that saw them through the crises which eventually resulted in the completion of the rebuilding project in Jerusalem in fifty-two days.

The rebuilding project began with a man with a burden who persevered to the end. The walls rebuilt (1-6), people reformed (7-13) though it did not last long.

As a leader he had character, competence and the charisma.^[2] He was a "luminous star that shines across the galaxy of the pages of history." From him we know his work well – the walls and his writings. His memoirs have been immortalized.  As a result, he has left behind a rich legacy. He ministered to his own generation and for generations to come.

Leadership Lessons from Nehemiah^[3]

• Leadership is influence (2:5-8; 16-18).
• Leadership involves empowering others (7:1-3).
• Leadership must be in the hands of a few, ministry in the hands of many (5:1-7).
• Most effective form of leadership is credibility/integrity (5:14-19).
• Great leaders are motivators and mobilizers/ communicators of vision  (2:17-18).
• Great leadership involves people and assisted by people (3:1-32, 13:13).
• Leadership takes ownership (1:5-11)
• Undergirding leadership is always prayer (2:4; 4:4; 5:19; 6:9).
• Leadership can be taught (4:21-23)

Leaders that Last^[4]

• Develop personal discipline.
• Put their confidence in God.
• Keep the value of material possessions in perspective.
• Recognizing the danger of becoming a slave to pleasure.
• Seek and refresh God's vision for their lives.

Self Reflection

Leadership is about leaving a legacy. What legacy are you living behind? What do you want people to remember about you? How would you write an autobiography of your leadership pilgrimage up to this point?  What is God calling you to do? Is God calling you to rebuild walls – broken lives? Are there broken walls in our lives that need to be repaired?

We’ll all be remembered for something. The question is, for what? 

What will others say about you when you are no longer around? We guarantee that what people will say about you will not be about what you achieved for yourself  but what you achieved for others. Not how big a campfire you built but how well you kept others warm, how well you illuminated the night to make them feel safe, and how beautiful you left the campsite for those who would come after you to build the next fire (Kouzes & Posner 2006: 18-19).

Your time is limited, so don't let it be wasted living someone else's life.

Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.

You've got to find out what you love

Do what you believe is great work

If you haven't found it, keep looking.

Don't settle for anything less (Steve Jobs).

Questions to Reflect

• If I were in Susa, would I have been willing to go back to the promised land?
• Is a great hindrance of my growth my own comfort? If I want a fulfilled and significant life, I’ve got to be willing to move out of our comfort zone and into places requiring faith
• Are many of our prayers for comfort and ease when what I need is courage and wisdom to take steps of faith for God’s glory.
• What needs restoring in my life? (worship, obedience to the WORD, walls?)
• Is God preparing me for a "point of opportunity"? What can I do to get ready?
• Is my leadership motivated by my own emotional insecurity? Am I a leader because of my own personal psychological needs or deficiencies?
• What is my motivation of serving- leading others? Self sacrificing or Self serving? Is there evidence to back me up?
• Am I serving the people because of fear and favour of humans?  
• What evidence in my leadership life that demonstrates I am serving in the fear of the Lord? Do I have a good track record? 
• Does my ministry find its authentication in my life?
• Have I anointing for what I am doing? Do I enjoy God’s approval? Am I available to    others?
• Whom am I accountable to?
• What would I do if I know I have a short amount of time left to make an impact? Life sentence (Clare Booth Luce). It is one sentence write my own "Life sentence"  - What I like people to say  about me when my life is over.
• What do I  want my legacy to be?^[5]

May the prayer of St Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD) be your prayer as you serve and lead the people.  

To my God 

A heart of flame.

To my fellow human beings

A heart of love.

To myself

A heart of steel. 

Let me say a prayer for you….