Devotion's by Deborah

Devotion 2-24-24, Ezra 4:3- "But Zerubbabel and Jeshua and the rest of the heads of fathers’ households of Israel said to them, “You have nothing in common with us in building a house to our God; but we ourselves will together build to the Lord God of Israel, as King Cyrus, the king of Persia has commanded us." Seventy years earlier, the Israelites had been taken captive and God's temple destroyed. God used Cyrus, the king of Persia, to arrange their return so they could begin rebuilding. But, there were enemies in the land. God's people knew what God wanted - a temple built to Him alone. Opposition from enemies interrupted the project and caused work to cease for a time; but, God always supports those who serve Him. Eventually the opposition was overcome, and the temple was completed. While you may not have been in exile for 70 years in a foreign land, you have encountered opposition and distress. We all do. We have choices. If we are sure that we are obeying God and serving Him alone, we must choose to trust Him and lean on Him. We must choose hope and love and trust, even though they may seem illogical because of the opposition. Often, opposition is evidence you are proceeding according to God's plan. The Israelites were forced to slow down and then stop their construction at various times; but, while it was distressing and discouraging, they did not just give up. They were set on obeying God. Look at your situation. Pray for God's direction and wisdom. Seek His assurance that you have chosen His path, His way, His plan. If you have that assurance, then do not lose heart because of opposition. The opposition is to be expected. Thank God He is with you and get to work!