The Best Project Manager in History

When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. – Nehemiah 1:4

You might have heard about this guy named Nehemiah and how he facilitated the rebuilding of Jerusalem. After all, there’s a whole book about him! But it only covers a few years of his life. We know that before the account starts, he was a cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, which means you taste everything before the king does in case it’s poisoned. So the best day you can have as a cupbearer to the king is to die on the job. It’s the only office in which every Employee of the Month picture includes the day of death!

Nehemiah learns of the problems affecting his homeland and grieves. He prays. And then he does the unheard of by asking the king for a leave of absence. Unbelievably, the king agrees! Now tell me that the steps he takes doesn’t read like a LinkedIn management post:

· Estimate and secure supplies, leveraging the king’s power to get most items for free

· Obtain letters that will guarantee safe transport of materials

· Upon arrival at site, initiate a CTA so that work can be completed before the next attack

· Work harder than anyone else to inspire loyalty

· Inspect at regular intervals to ensure compliance

· Once completed, ensure everyone celebrates and give thanks

· Reestablish observance of festivals to promote ownership, culture and tradition

· Make plans for sustainability

In just 52 days, the job is done. No less amazing is that when the work is over, we never hear from Nehemiah again. He was called (like Esther in the very next book) “for such a time as this.”

Reflection: What is God calling you to today? If you intend to respond like Nehemiah, then follow his lead.

Take Action: Get your heart right, pray, plan, execute and ask God to “strengthen your hands” (Neh 6:9). Then you will be able to accomplish amazing things within the confines of His will.

Like Nehemiah did, take some time to outline your goals, secure resources, and anticipate challenges that could arise. Offer your plans to the Lord; watch and see what He does!

– ABOUT THE AUTHOR –