What She didn't factor into her plan . . .

A carefully executed plan, a perfectly scripted outline, a succinct design that produces a desired outcome – as leadHERs we have all experienced the power of developing and implementing a successful plan. And when things go the way we plan them, we often celebrate our victories with feelings of satisfaction, pride, and even euphoria. But what happens when things don’t go according to plan? When what we fail to factor into our plan presents its downfall?

Athaliah had a plan. It was a devious plan, fueled by a lust for power, which when executed would provide her with control over the kingdom of Judah. Following the death of her son King Ahaziah, she saw an opportunity to seize power and followed a murderous path to secure the throne for herself. Taking the lives of all potential royal heirs to the throne, she orchestrated a power grab that no one had anticipated and effectively inserted herself as the leader of the Judah.

But when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal of the house of Judah (II Chronicles 22:10, KJV).

But what Athaliah didn’t factor into the plan were the actions of another woman in leadership who quickly discerned her intentions. Putting aside the personal risk or potential consequences, King Ahaziah’s sister Jehoshabeath (also called Jehosheba), rescued one of his sons (Joash) from Athaliah’s murderous rampage.

But Jehoshabeath, the daughter of the king, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons that were slain, and put him and his nurse in a bedchamber. So Jehoshabeath, the daughter of king Jehoram, the wife of Jehoiada the priest, (for she was the sister of Ahaziah,) hid him from Athaliah, so that she slew him not. And he was with them hid in the house of God six years: and Athaliah reigned over the land. (II Chronicles 22:11-12, KJV).

For six years, Athaliah thought her plan had worked, enjoying a false sense of accomplishment and the fantasy of full control. Athaliah embodied the actions and attitudes of the enemy (Satan) and she even employed his methodology of killing those who got in her way, stealing what didn’t belong to her, and attempting to destroy what God has outlined.

Her negative example of a woman wielding power in the worst way challenges us as leadHERs to examine the motivations and intentions that guide our plans of action in leadership roles. Does a lust for power fuel the choices we make? Will we compromise our character, our calling, or our connection with God to gain the position we think we deserve? What will we do to the individuals we presume are in the way of our plans and goals?

Remember that even though Athaliah’s story presents an extreme case of evil, the motivation that underscored her actions can reside in the heart of any leadHER. What Athaliah failed to factor into her plans are the things we MUST factor into our leadership – the right motivation, the purpose of God, and the value of others.

And when we see other leaders demonstrating her cut-throat mentality, we can use the bravery of Jehoshabeath as our guide, aligning ourselves with the purpose God has outlined and shielding others from the destructive plan of the enemy.

Behold, the king's son shall reign, as the Lord hath said of the sons of David. . . Then they brought out the king's son, and put upon him the crown, and gave him the testimony, and made him king. And Jehoiada and his sons anointed him, and said, God save the king (II Chronicles 23:3b, 11, KJV).

Although Athaliah had a plan, God had a purpose that could not be stopped. Using Jehoshabeath in a strategic role and at just the right moment, God demonstrated His power through her leadership and overturned the work of the enemy. The juxtaposition of these two women’s stories provides insightful lessons for us as leadHERs.

ALIGN – Alignment with God (not personal ambition) is the pathway to success and elevation.

ALERT – Alertness to harmful leadership practices will empower you to shield others from hurt.

AWARE – Awareness of what truly motivates your plans will help you avoid leadership pitfalls.

ARRANGE – Arrangement of your plans in accordance with God’s purpose will bring about the desired outcome.

LeadHERs, my prayer for you today is that you will take time to examine the motivations that lie beneath the surface of your actions. Remember to always submit your plans to God allowing His Spirit to guide your steps. Take courage & bravely advocate for those in the path of leaders using power incorrectly. Give God the opportunity to demonstrate His purpose through the plans you’re cultivating for your life!

Your Sister in LeadHERship,

Dr. Margaret R. Frye

Want to learn more about Athaliah & Jehoshabeath’s stories?

Find it in II Chronicles 22-23, II Kings 11

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