Can you relate to the Israelites as they allow their enemies to pressure them into not completing God's work? Are you able to identify the obstacles that stand in the way of your own obedience? With excitement and a restored commitment to God, the once exiled Jews have returned to their homeland of Jerusalem and are eager to begin rebuilding and restoring God's temple.
As we study the book of Ezra this week, we realize that there has always been and always will be people who oppose God's work. The Jews have just celebrated the completion of the foundation (Ezra 3) and look forward to rebuilding the entire temple; God's dwelling place. But their neighbors have different plans. Through a series of letters to and degrees from the reigning authorities, the construction of the temple comes to a halt. For the next 14 years, nothing is done to restore the once magnificent house of the Lord.
The Enemy, as well as the Israelites enemies, used three obstacles that caused them to quit; to not finish what they had started and what they had been told to do - restore the temple.
1) Discouragement - "Then the peoples around them set out to discourage the people of Judah .... " (Ezra 4:4a). Discouragement eats away at our motivation. Discouragement leads to disappointment, depression and despair...just what the Enemy wants - whatever it takes to keep us from completing God's work.
2) Fear - "...and make them afraid to go on building" (Ezra 4:4b). Fear leads to paralysis; the grip of fear takes over and leaves us motionless. The Israelites feared their neighboring enemies more than they trusted their God. Has fear kept you from stepping out and obeying God?
3) Frustration - " They hired counselors to work against them and frustrate their plans/purpose...." (Ezra 4:5). Frustration causes us to just give up and quit. Give up was exactly what the Israelites did and how it pleased the Enemy as well as the adversaries around them.
Can you relate? Have you "quit" God's work because you've been discouraged, fearful and/or frustrated? Maybe someone let you down. Maybe hurtful words were exchanged? Maybe you doubt you could ever do anything good for God, so you've never tried. Whatever the case, the real question today is, How long did you stay discouraged, fearful and frustrated? Is it permanent? Are you still struggling with completing God's work? You may not be building a physical temple, but whatever God has asked you to do, He's waiting (patiently) for you to complete.
Fourteen years have passed since the Jews stopped working on the temple - enter Haggai, a prophet God uses to speak to His people (Haggai 1:1-15). During these past 14 years, the people have been busy building and beautifying their own homes and neighborhoods, while God's temple still lies in ruins. Through Haggai's message, God challenges and convicts the people to ignore their neighbor's threats and resume the restoration of God's house. The people heard and obeyed (Haggai 1:12) and in verse 13, God reminds them, "...I am with you..."
It only took 23 days from the time of Haggai's message for the Israelites to start rebuilding. What about you? When you hear a convicting and motivating message, how long does it take you to respond? Let me be your Haggai today. Don't let the obstacles to obedience -discouragement, fear and frustration - keep you from completing God's work. Be reminded of His Word:
"Let not your heart be troubled (discouraged). Trust in God...." John 14: 1.
"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 41:10
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
and finally, God never gives up on us - His workmanship (Eph. 2:10) - "Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6
BLOG: Will you be a Haggai to someone this week? Share with us your message of encouragement that God may use it to motivate them to stick with it and complete the work God has given them...Thanks!
3 comments:
My specific encouragement I’d like to pass on is one of not giving up in physical trials. When you are going through physical struggles and illness/disability it can become consuming. It can become consuming even if you are living it a long time or you’ve been a strong person in your faith. Remember that in this weakness you are given a chance to become more reliant on God, even stronger in your faith, a walking example of endurance and hope, and closer to Christ in suffering. You are valuable to God and can be used in ways another not presented with these same issues could be. Do not let the enemy keep you from worship, practicing your faith or serving in your church. The enemy will make it hard for you every chance he can get, but the power of the Lord is mightier. Your words of love for your Lord, your presence in a service and your work in ministry are a striking example of bearing your own cross. Don’t hide your struggles or limitations, but instead let that light shine before others and glorify God who is in it with you; so that others might see there is hope and peace through Christ in all trials.
Don't ever think that you are too spiritually immature to do anything. Remember that God is the one that makes thing happen. He just wants you to be willing and obedient. God has shown me that the things I have suffered with the most are the things that he has turned around and used for His good. My weaknesses are my self esteem, my motivation, my laziness and self confidence. All these things are not a problem for me as long as I focus on Him, make it all about Him and know that all that I do and am is about building the kingdom of God through any means that He provides.
My encouragement is to recognize that in this Christian life we are in a real battle with the enemy. We are not in a battle with other men and women. We need to love each other and stand strong against the enemy.
Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
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