Nehemiah had tremendous faith, when faced with a difficult problem he simply asked God for help then got on with the task. He must have been nervous having to speak to King Ataxerxes, being a mere servant, and not knowing the full extent of the task ahead.
However, having spoken to God, his faith told him that he could accomplish that which he faced and that God would be with him.
What a difference to the reaction of the Israelites when Moses was on Mount Sinai talking with God and receiving the Ten Commandments. Their attitude was “Moses has disappeared so could we get some gods to look after us, we’re frightened”. Nothing bad was happening to them but their faith was so fragile that when their leader went missing for a few days they panicked.
“When Moses failed to come back down the mountain right away, the people went to Aaron. “Look,” they said, “make us some gods who can lead us. This man Moses, who brought us out of , has disappeared. We don’t know what has happened to him.”
Exodus 32:1 [NIV]
Oh ye of little faith! Unfortunately Aaron handled the situation badly and actually helped them build a false idol which did not please Moses when he returned! Or God.
How is your faith? Do you panic when things don’t go to plan, or something unfortunate happens affecting you or those you love? If you ask God to help and it doesn’t seem to happen immediately do you trust in his judgement or do you start to doubt his promises?
I’m not always sure where I am going, or why, but my faith tells me that God will let me know, in no uncertain terms, if I’m going the wrong way.
Lord, in times of trouble or adversity, remind me of your presence so that my faith in you remains as strong as when everything is alright. Amen.
