Purpose Study Bible 352: Courage

Nehemiah went in to serve the king as his cupbearer when the king noticed that he was uncharacteristically sad. When the king asked him what was wrong, Nehemiah responded,

I was very much afraid, but I said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” (Nehemiah 2:2-3).

Notice that Nehemiah was "very much afraid," but he acted with courage despite his fear. He didn't wait for his fear to disappear before speaking. That's an important lesson for us to grasp because fear is a real part of your purpose quest. Those who fulfill their purpose aren't people who never experience fear. They're people who have learned to function in the midst of their fear. That's what courage is.

Are you courageously carrying out your purpose? Where is fear holding you back? Have you been waiting for your fear to subside rather than moving forward despite its presence? If so, you may be waiting a long time. God often calls us to obey while we're still afraid, trusting that courage will grow as we take the next step.

Nehemiah went on to fulfill his plan and accomplish great things for the Lord, but none of it would have happened if fear had kept him silent before the king. That should encourage us. God works through ordinary people despite their humanity, and that humanity often includes fear of the unknown and concern over what others may think. Fear may be part of your purpose journey, but it doesn't have to determine your destination.