SCRIPTURE: NEHEMIAH 2:2-3
“And the king said to me, ‘Why is your face sad, seeing you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of the heart.’ Then I was very much afraid. I said to the king, ‘Let the king live forever! Why should not my face be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ graves, lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?’”
OBSERVATION
If desire is the birthing place of faith, then decision is the next step. In this passage of scripture, Nehemiah is confronted with a decision-making moment. The king asks him why he is sad, and Nehemiah is terrified. In those days it was completely unacceptable to be downcast in the presence of the king. In this moment Nehemiah has to make a decision whether he will pull back or move forward. Nehemiah “decides” to move forward in faith by telling the king about his vision.
Each one of us will come to a similar situation in our own faith journey. It is one thing to have a strong desire for something in prayer, and it is another to decide to do it. God wants us to have the courage to commit to what he has placed in our hearts. There will be moments when it is easier to turn back and change course, but at this point of decision, great faith is built. Remember this: “The determined decision of a person burns with desire.” Let the strong desire God has placed in your heart outweigh the fear and doubt. Make a strong decision today.
APPLICATION
Have you decided to commit to what God has placed in your heart to do? At some point in this faith journey, you are going to have to decide to commit. Take time today to evaluate this question: “Am I letting fear drive me or am I allowing the desire God has placed in my heart to guide me?” Take time to pray about your decision and commitment to The Story Initiative.
PRAYER
“Jesus, help me be committed to the things You have placed in my heart. Today, guide me as I decide what to commit to this faith journey. Please help me overcome my fears and trust you more. I love you, Lord!”