Not all support is loud. Some of your strongest backers may never repost your work, comment on your progress, or stand up for you in public. Not because they don’t believe in you, but because they are trying to preserve what they know, what they are used to, and in some cases, what they fear losing.
The story of Nicodemus in Scripture beautifully highlights this.
Nicodemus was a Quiet Believer.
Nicodemus was no ordinary man, He was a quiet believer. He was a Pharisee, a teacher of the law, and a member of the powerful Sanhedrin, the ruling Jewish council in Jesus’ day. He had influence, power, and a reputation to protect.
But despite his stature and the public stance of his peers against Jesus, Nicodemus was drawn to the truth.
In John 3, he came to Jesus at night. Not during synagogue hours, not in the daylight where other leaders might see him, but in the secrecy of the night. He was searching, but cautious. Believing, but quiet. Convicted, but not yet courageous.
He asked questions. He listened. And to him, Jesus declared the powerful truth:
“Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
John 3:3
It was to Nicodemus that the world changing words were spoken:
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son…”
John 3:16
Imagine carrying that moment that revelation in your heart, but still not being ready to go public.
Nicodemus was a Silent Defender
In John 7:50-52, when the Pharisees sought to arrest Jesus, Nicodemus spoke up but again, not boldly. He simply asked, “Does our law condemn a man without first hearing him?” It was cautious, almost passive, but still a flicker of defense.
Nicodemus was walking the line. He believed, but not enough yet to let go of the system he belonged to.
Sound familiar?
The Bold Step At Last!
Then came the cross.
After Jesus died, most of His disciples fled. But the one who had been cautious and quiet, Nicodemus, stepped forward.
In John 19:39-42, he joined Joseph of Arimathea, another secret believer, to bury Jesus’ body.
He brought 75 pounds of myrrh and aloes, an expensive gesture fit for royalty. This act was public, costly, and undeniably bold.
It was as if he was saying, “I didn’t speak when I should have, but now I will not be silent.”
What This Means for You
If you’ve ever been disappointed by people who love you in private but don’t identify with you in public, this is for you.
Nicodemus reminds us:
- Some people are still navigating the cost of association.
- Not every supporter is ready to break from what they’ve known or built.
- But silence now doesn’t always mean silence forever.
Your hidden supporter today could be your boldest advocate tomorrow.
It doesn’t mean you excuse disloyalty or inconsistency, but you discern hearts, not just actions. Some people are battling their own inner wars: culture, fear, reputation, and status. And in time, the truth may draw them into the light.
Let Nicodemus remind you: Seeds sown in silence can bloom in boldness.
Jesus planted the seed of truth in his heart and though Nicodemus walked away quietly, that seed took root. In one of the most pivotal moments in the story of salvation, it blossomed into the courage to stand publicly for the Savior he once followed in secret.
Understand this, you won’t always be celebrated loudly. But don’t stop being who you’re called to be.
The Nicodemuses are watching, learning, weighing, and may one day stand beside you when they have gotten the courage and clarity to deal with their own personal wars.
When they do, it will be worth the wait.
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Written by Oluwatosin Olajumoke Arodudu
Lead Coach
DIVA
