Someone once said, “Faith is taking the first step, even when you can’t see the whole staircase.”

That applies to the second chapter of Nehemiah, which we will study this week. Last week we saw that Nehemiah, a Jewish exile living in Persia, received devastating news: Jerusalem, God’s special city, the city that was supposed to be a beacon of light for the nations, was in disrepair. This was shattering news for Nehemiah, because it meant that God’s Name and honor were being defamed. So after weeping and fasting and praying, he felt convicted to ask King Artaxerxes if he could return to Jerusalem, rally the people there, and rebuild for God’s glory.

That is where we find ourselves this week. Nehemiah knows that God is calling him to take action. But taking that first step of faith is the hardest! Nehemiah knows that it will be hard for King Artaxerxes to agree to lose his cupbearer. He also knows that even if the King grants his request, that unifying the people for such a challenging task will not be easy.

We can be very good at talking ourselves out of things that God has called us to, especially when they involve faith and sacrifice and risk. Nehemiah is afraid to even ask the King. What if he offends him?

This week we are going to see Nehemiah take action. That’s an essential part of faith. As John Ortberg says, “If you want to walk on water, you have to get out of the boat.” But getting out of the boat can be scary. We would much prefer to stay in our safe comfort zone. But nothing great can be accomplished if we stay there. Every great accomplishment starts with the decision to try.

At FBC, we made a decision three years ago to take a major step of faith. Like the people of Jerusalem, we said, “Let us rise up and build!” (Neh. 2:18)

The next sentence says, “So they strengthened their hands for the good work.” We are continuing that good work by paying for our building. The building is completed, but the good work continues. Be praying about what God would have you give.

Read over Nehemiah 2:1-20 in preparation for this week. I love this text! It is so vivid, and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I hope to see you in your seat this Sunday.

See you this Sunday!

Dr. Thurman Hayes, Jr.