Restart: Stepping Out in Faithنموونە

DISCERNING DECEIT Nehemiah is offered a plan of escape from his enemies, but it involves hiding in the most sacred place in the temple, a place where only the high priest was allowed to enter on special ceremonial days. While the plan seemed innocent enough, God revealed its treachery. God had protected Nehemiah so far, so there was no reason he should cower and hide from the enemy. Besides, doing the wrong thing even to achieve a good purpose is sin. God’s people should never be willfully caught up in illicit behavior. We can trust God to keep his promises—they have no expiration date. They are good forever! We can be confident when we are told in God’s Word, “The Lord will keep you safe from secret traps and deadly diseases” (Psalm 91.3). He has promised, and he will do it. Is it ever appropriate to do the wrong thing for the right reason? How did Nehemiah come to the realization that Tobiah and Sanballat were behind the plot to ruin his reputation? Based on the way Nehemiah handled this problem, what are some other character traits you recognize? Emulate him when you find yourself in similar situations. Pray: Teach me, Lord, to discern your will even among the traps that have been set to ensnare me.