Editor’s note: As Loma Linda University Health begins a massive construction project to build the new adult and children’s hospital towers, the chaplains invite members of the campus to pray and fast each Tuesday, asking for God’s guidance and wisdom as we continue to grow. Below is a devotional from a series in News of the Week based on the biblical book of Nehemiah, in which Nehemiah faced a massive building project of his own.
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“But I said, ‘Should a man like me run away? Or should someone like me go into the temple to save his life? I will not go!’” Nehemiah 6:11
Fear can sometimes drive us to behaviors that we know are not wise. A young woman who fears losing her boyfriend writes a letter that only worsens the situation. An employee, afraid of an upcoming performance appraisal, begins criticizing colleagues in an ineffective effort to make himself look better. A husband, worried about his family’s financial stability, takes his last bit of savings and invests it in a risky financial scheme. A young mother, afraid of criticism of her parenting, retreats into isolation.
Fear is a powerful motivator, often to our detriment. In the midst of his rebuilding project, Nehemiah was repeatedly threatened and intimidated by a multitude of people who were trying to disrupt the progress. An acquaintance urged him to go hide in the temple for safety because people were coming to kill him. On the surface, it seemed like a reasonable thing to do. But Nehemiah responded that he would not run away to try and save his life.
Because Nehemiah knew that God had called him to rebuild the wall, he chose to trust God for safety. Even threats to his life didn’t cause him to run from his work. When we turn our fear over to God, it can actually become a tool for growth. Fear can teach us to deepen our dependence on God and surrender our need to be in control; and it can keep us from reacting to threats that are out of our control. It was good that Nehemiah did not respond to the urging of his acquaintance. He later learned that it was a trap set by his enemies who were hoping to discredit him.
As Loma Linda University Health continues to grow as an organization, we can expect changes in personnel and structure. Change can be frightening. It is imperative as we work together in our organization to know individually what God has called each of us to do. We can’t avoid hearing troubling news, but we can choose how we respond. Peace comes when we know our calling and are true to it. Safety comes when fear drives us to God. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:13
Kathy McMillan, MA
Director
Employee spiritual care
Loma Linda University Medical Center