These Five Proven Tactics for Leading Through Adversity reveal a great truth every Pastor and Church Leader must face—adversity is inseparable from any attempt to achieve something great. Advancement always encounters new challenges and resistance. It can be overwhelming. The weariness of opposition is very draining on resources such as energy, passion, motivation, finances and unity.

Adversity can also be an important ingredient to success. It can make you much better.

In this article we will explore a few powerful tactics that have been utilized by great leaders as they led through and overcame times of great adversity. 

Tactic #1: Ignore the Noise of the Enemy

Nehemiah was one of the greatest and most effective leaders in the Bible. He did so many things correctly. An incomplete list of the things he did right includes:

• He confirmed that his calling was from God
• He obtained the king’s permission and the authority to do his mission
• He was empowered
• He had letters authorizing governmental and military assistance
• He gathered people to assist him
• He developed and enunciated a clearly defined vision
• The vision became a shared vision that was embraced by everyone
• He had 100% participation and involvement

Yet he encountered great resistance and numerous threats by Sanballat, Tobiah, and their cohorts. These would stop at nothing to stop Nehemiah’s mission. 

His response was extraordinary. Nehemiah did everything possible to prepare for possible attack from the enemy, but he otherwise ignored them. He did not go to meet with them or allow himself to be trapped. He ignored them and remained focused on his mission. When they threatened and demanded an answer, Nehemiah simply ignored them. 

If leaders are going to accomplish their purpose they must learn to ignore the noise of the enemy. 

Tactic #2: Trust God to Work Where You Can’t

Queen Esther and the Jewish people were caught in a corrupt political nightmare. The trap for their annihilation was set. The evil Haman had masterfully devised a plan to eliminate the Jews. The date was set. It was irreversible. In desperation the Jews prayed and fasted to God for deliverance. At the determined time Esther risked her very life and approached the king. She invited both he and Haman to her palace where she would beg the king for mercy. Even though she was the queen, there was only so much she could do. 

In ways unknown to Esther, God was working in areas that no human could have worked. God orchestrated a sequence of meticulously timed events that ended Haman’s life and liberated the Jewish people. 

Leaders must do all they can do, but learn to at that point to allow God to be God. You must trust God to work in areas where you can’t. 

Tactic #3: Confront the Adversary with the Appropriate Word

Moses faced one of the most daunting assignments of anyone in the Bible. God sent him to enter the courts of the Pharaoh of Egypt and to demand the king to let God’s people go. 

Even though Moses had been an adopted member of the royal family, he had been in exile forty years and was wanted for a crime. To return to Egypt and make demands to Pharaoh equated to a death sentence. 

Again and again Moses returned to Pharaoh’s court and made demands. Each time Pharaoh denied his request, and each time Moses pronounced a judgement which God honored. Twelve great plagues came upon Egypt. Eventually Pharaoh yielded and all of Israel left Egypt to sojourn toward the land of promise. 

The key to Moses’ success was that every time he approached Pharaoh he confronted him only with an appropriate and timely Word from God. 

Leaders must learn to do as Moses did. You must hear directly from God; be sent by God to do your mission; and speak only the revealed Word of God when you confront your adversary. 

Otherwise you might talk yourself out of victory.

Tactic #4: Maintain Integrity

Joseph was the youngest son in a large family. His father loved him dearly and therefore spoiled him. Nonetheless all of his older brothers and even his father disregarded his dreams as foolishness. His brothers’ collective resentment turned to hate. They almost killed him, but they chose instead to sell him into foreign slavery. In a cold and calloused act they deceived their father about his supposed death. 

As a slave he served with integrity, and yet he was eventually imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. In the king’s dungeon he retained his dignity. Even though he helped others he remained forgotten. 

The years passed until the day came that he was promoted to a position of authority in the Kingdom. He was second only to the Pharaoh himself.  

Joseph suffered incalculable betrayal and injustice and yet eventually attained immeasurable victory. His long-suffering paid off. He not only saved Egypt and other nations from ruin, but also his father’s house of Israel. 

It happened because Joseph maintained his integrity. When there was no one watching he still remained faithful to God. He never compromised his self worth and correctness before God. As a leader you must maintain your integrity irregardless of the circumstances against you. 

Tactic #5: Don’t Do Everything You Are Capable Of Doing

As a young lad David was anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the future king of Israel. God used him to do exploits by killing a lion, a bear, and the Philistine champion named Goliath  He even became the king’s son-in-law. 

In spite of his loyalty, goodness, and family connection, King Saul despised him. He was jealous and sought to kill David. 

David spent years on the run He even hid in caves. There came a time that David could have easily killed Saul in a cave. Saul was asleep, and David held the knife. He could have ended his exile right then, but he refused to do so. It was in his power to slay his nemesis, and yet he did not. Later and in God’s time Saul and his sons were slain in battle. Shortly thereafter the people crowned David to be king. 

There are times when being a leader means not doing certain things even though you have the power and capability of doing it. You have to exercise restraint. You must always do what is right, even if at the time it seems to not be what is in your best interests. 

In Conclusion

These five tactics for leadership are replicated in other Biblical stories. Whenever you face adversity, consider how your spiritual forefathers in faith overcame opposition and resistance. 

God will honor you if you will honor Him and the principles of His Word. Adopt these proven tactics into your circumstances and allow God to bless your leadership.