Daily Devotional | The Courage to Begin

Have you ever been faced with a huge task, afraid to take the first step even when you knew God had called you to it? Perhaps you had everything planned out, knew God was with you, and all that was left was to begin— returning to school, starting foster care classes, or sharing the gospel with that one person in your life. Beginning takes courage!

And courage is exactly what we see in Nehemiah and the rest of the people of Jerusalem who would rally with him to rebuild the city’s walls. Once Nehemiah finished his reconnaissance mission to learn the lay of the land, he saw just in what a bad shape the city had been (vv. 13–16). Nehemiah gathered the rest of the people of Jerusalem and shared his vision with them.

Most importantly, Nehemiah told them all God had already done for him, ensuring that this was not some hair-brained idea from a Persian official: “I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me” (v. 18). Nehemiah’s testimony of God’s favor gave the people of Jerusalem the courage they needed to begin the enormous task: “They replied, ‘Let us start rebuilding.’ So they began this good work” (v. 18).

Sometimes in our lives we will be like Nehemiah, called by God to lead for Him in a certain area, perhaps in our family or at our job. Other times we will be like the rest of the people in Jerusalem, called by God to follow someone as they lead out in a way God has called them to. At all times God calls us to trust in Him and go courageously wherever He leads.

>> Is there something in your life that God has called you to do, but you’ve been too afraid to begin? Like Nehemiah, share your plans with those who can help you, trust the Lord, and get to work.

Pray with Us

Lord, sometimes we hesitate because we’re not sure if our decision is in Your plan. Though we don’t understand where free will and Your sovereignty converge, help us move forward boldly, trusting You for course corrections.

BY Dr. Russell L. Meek

Russell Meek teaches Old Testament and Hebrew at Moody Theological Seminary. He writes a regular column on understanding and applying the Old Testament at Fathom Magazine, and his books include Ecclesiastes and the Search for Meaning in an Upside-Down World and the co-authored Book-by-Book Guide to Biblical Hebrew Vocabulary. Russ, his wife, and their three sons live in northern Idaho.