Leading While Under Attack pt.2

Absalom conspired against David from within his family. Sennacherib was an outsider who wanted to overthrow Hezekiah from his God appointed position. Haman launched an all out assault against Mordecai and even tried to unjustly execute him- all b/c Mordecai refused to compromise what he knew God wanted him to do (or not to do).

Let’s learn together from these people who endured attacks similar to ones you encounter. Let’s learn from their mistakes and not repeat them. Let’s repeat the things they did right.

We’ll start with the most complicated one of them all: Absalom and David.  But, before we do remember – Romans 8:31

"What shall we say then in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?"

It can be extremely difficult to deal with an initiative launched against you or your leadership when it’s cunningly initiated by someone close to you and who seeks to get close to other prominent people in your organization.

It also hurts deeply.

This kind of plot can make you paranoid. It can cloud your judgment and take your emotions on a roller coaster ride that sometimes seems out of control.

King David knew very well about the pains and potentials of this kind of scheme.

Psalm 55:12-14:
"If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were raising himself against me, I could hide from him.
But it is you, a man like myself,my companion, my close friend,
with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship as we walked among the crowds at the house of God"

David overcame the pains of conspiracy and rebellion. There were some things he did very well. There were some things that he did not handle well. However, the favor and grace of Almighty God trumped his mistakes and assured victory over this battle.

David’s position and future was being threatened by a person he loved and provided for. Outwardly, his third and favored son, Absalom was beautiful and projected a harmless image. Inwardly, he was vicious and had a self centered agenda hidden under a cloak of religion.

Absalom’s manipulative, scheming ways can be traced back to offenses. Absalom had been let down and offended by his dad. He harbored unseen bitterness against his brother Amnon. Instead of turning to God and being healed, Absalom turned on those who wronged him. Avoidable disasters and division soon followed.

Are you facing an Absalom-like personality at work, in your organization, or your ministry? 

Tomorrow we’ll examine some facts about Absalom.

A few benefits will occur when we do:

1.        You be able to accurately identify an Absalom personality.
2       We’ll discover how to deal with an Absalom like personality without hurting those he’s 

      cleverly lured into his web of deceit
3       We’ll find out what must be done to ensure victory over Absalom- like plots and 

      personalities