Second First Steps

Good Morning,

In the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was brought for him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had not been sad in his presence before, so the king asked me, “Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart.” Neh. 2:1-2

These verses describe the sadness Nehemiah was feeling because the remnant of God’s people who had returned from exile were experiencing great trouble and distress. The wall around Jerusalem was broken down and the gates had all been burned (Neh. 1:3). They were also being ridiculed by neighboring nations. So, Nehemiah, as the King’s cupbearer takes the opportunity to approach the King.

This was no small thing, because showing sadness in front of the King could have resulted in Nehemiah’s immediate execution. Yet that is not what happened. Not only did he have his life spared, Artaxerxes showed compassion and even asked how he could help. What an astonishing outcome. 

I can’t help but think how nervous Nehemiah must have been walking into that meeting. I wonder how many times he had rehearsed the words he would use in approaching the King. He must have felt immense pressure. But when you go back to chapter one, we see the fervent prayer he offers to God asking for divine intervention in this situation.  And that is exactly what happened.

There is something important the needs pointing out. The outcome of Nehemiah’s meeting with the King was not dependent on him using the perfect words, catching the King on a good day or anything of the sort. In fact, that encounter was not the Kings first encounter with this situation. Even if Artaxerxes didn’t realize it, God had been working in his heart prior to the meeting ever taking place. God was out front of this meeting and had prepared the way.

We would do well to remember this. What we often view as the first step is not the first step. God hears our prayers and goes ahead of us. He is active and paves the way for the outcomes He desires. We would feel less pressure if we kept in mind that while we do our best, the actual results of our efforts are above our paygrade. 

Take a lesson from Nehemiah. The first step we take is usually not the first step taken. Those steps are taken by God. Our first steps are really the second first steps. And this fact frees us to be confident and more at peace.

Live on purpose,
Ron Klopfenstein