“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)
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Hey! I’m preparing to preach on Nehemiah 2 this upcoming weekend. I’ve already found this chapter to be so encouraging and wanted to share one nugget with you today.
When fear threatens to undo us
Quick context: Nehemiah is weeping over the destruction of Jerusalem, and he feels called by God to help the disgraced Israelites rebuild the walls (see Neh. 1). The king of Persia (whom Nehemiah serves as cupbearer) questions Nehemiah’s sadness (Neh. 2:2a), as it was dishonorable for the king’s nobles to be downcast in his presence. Facing the imminent danger of the king’s displeasure, Nehemiah records his internal state: “Then I was very much afraid” (Neh. 2:2b).
In this moment, as anxiety flooded his heart, Nehemiah had two options:
- He could let his fears control him, head swiveling for the quickest way out of his discomfort and fear. In this case, that would have been to appease the king and return to his noble duties ASAP. Don’t stir the pot!
- He could step through his fears, following God’s calling and asking the king for permission to leave his noble duties and travel nearly 800 miles to help rebuild Jerusalem.
Nehemiah chose the second option—a risky choice, but one which God blessed (Neh. 2:4-8).
Faith and fear
One of the most hope-giving aspects of this encounter is the reminder that faith is not the same as fearlessness. Nehemiah was filled with fear, yet he still exercised faith by following God’s call despite his feelings. Faith often looks different than what we imagine:
- We tend to think faith-filled people are always confident of a good outcome. They’re not. They usually don’t know the outcome (see Esther 4:16; Heb. 11:1).
- We tend to think faith-filled people always laugh in the face of danger. They don’t. They often dread the anticipation of suffering (see Luke 22:41-44).
- We tend to think faith-filled people are always strong. They’re not. They’re usually riddled with weakness (see 2 Cor. 12:8-10).
Satan wants you to think your fear precludes you from acting in faith. Don’t believe this lie. Fear is just fear. Faith is measured by what you do with that fear.
Faith isn’t fearlessness, but choosing to trust and obey God regardless of what you feel. Don’t let the presence of fear keep you from following God. A trembling step is still a step. A weak step is still a step. An uncertain step is still a step. Your Heavenly Father is pleased by every step of faith—even when fear is involved (see Mark 5:33-34).
Fuel for our faith
The reason we can take steps of faith isn’t because the world isn’t scary, but because God is trustworthy and has promised to walk with us wherever we go (see Psalm 23:4; Heb. 13:5).
Friend, in all your fears, don’t forget: On the cross, Jesus himself stepped into the most frightening darkness imaginable—and he did so alone—so that you and I would never have to step into any darkness alone.
In all your trembling, the God who never trembles holds your hand: “I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you’” (Isaiah 41:13; see also Neh. 2:8).
Will you commit to walking by faith today? If so, please join me in this prayer:
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for being a God who knows and understands my fears. Thank you for being with me now, and for promising to stay with me wherever I go. Help me to take steps of faith today, even in the midst of fear and weakness. May you be glorified by my faith, even when its weak, for you have said that your power is made perfect in my weakness. I love you, I need you, and I commit my steps to you today. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Blake Glosson (MDiv, Reformed Theological Seminary) is a pastoral resident at Chapelstreet Church in Geneva, Illinois. He has been published and/or republished or referred by:
- The Gospel Coalition
- Life Bible
- Crosswalk
- Eternal Perspective Ministries (Randy Alcorn)
- Challies.com/Tim Challies (here, here, and here)
- DashHouse (Darryl Dash)
- Moody Radio (here, here, and here)
- The JOY FM (here and here)
- ChurchLeaders.com
- Monergism.com
- The Aquila Report (here, here, and here)
Previously, Blake served as the director of young adults at New Covenant Bible Church in St. Charles, Illinois.
Read or watch “True Guilt vs. False Guilt” here.
Read or watch “Hope in Times of Suffering” here.
Read or watch “What Jesus Does with Your Tears” here.
Read “Why Does God Say No to Good Things?” here.
Watch or listen to Blake’s sermons here.
Feel free to drop a comment below with thoughts or questions!