Ezra 4:1-24
Reflect
Have you ever thought that following God’s will in your life would be a piece of cake?
Sometimes we think that God’s will, His character, and our obedience have a direct correlation with one another that results in a positive outcome. At times, the outcome of obedience to God’s leading in your life is immediate gratification and blessings. Other times, there may be challenges and interruptions before we’re able to see the outcome of our obedience.
In our passage today, you’d think that with God changing King Cyrus’ heart (chapter 1), which inspired the exiles to return back to Jerusalem hoping to build the temple and motivate worship, life would be smooth sailing! But instead, the work took longer and hostility developed with neighbours and other opponents (chapter 4). Rebuilding the temple seemed more like an abandoned dream at this point.
As Christians, we can expect to experience trouble (John 16). Following God’s will in our lives is never an easy journey, and the fruit of that obedience may not show up until later; which is why we must press into God’s timing to manage our expectations in order to remain steadfast. Although we may falter and be taken back by obstacles/interruptions, God’s unwavering faithfulness to us may be a powerful truth in our time of need.
Apply
Whatever you may be facing, take heart because He has overcome the world.
Pastor Nathanael
Pray
- Pray for our Childcare staff, the children and their families this week. Pray for the Director, Kristy Thomas.
- Pray for our Audio/Visual Director, Grant Mix.
- Pray for our Lead Team Pastor, Terry Okken and his family.
- Pray that God’s Spirit would work powerfully and effectively in all the various ministry groups in our church this week.