Ezra 4:24 NLT
- God's people had returned from exile.
- After 70 years of captivity, and paying the price for forgetting God and not listening to His Word and instructions, they were permitted to return.
- The first priority of the people was to rebuild the altar of the Lord, the center of Jewish worship.
- Then they began rebuilding the temple but it says here that it came to a standstill.
- It came to a standstill because the enemy was opposing them and trying to prevent them from rebuilding.
- Have you ever had things come to a standstill?
- Have you ever been making progress in your walk with God and then everything stopped?
- Almost like an unseen force was stoping you?
- Know this: Every time you begin to make spiritual progress and grow spiritually, your enemy, Satan will oppose you and try to discourage you.
- Expect opposition.
- There is an unseen spiritual battle going on.
- But in that battle, don't forget who you are.
- Know who you are!
- You are a child of the Most High.
- Galatians 6:11 says that, "You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus."
- You are More than a Conqueror in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:37)
- You are an overcomer!
- No weapon formed against your will prosper! (Isaiah 54:17)
- When a standstill happens, your response is to continually rely on God's strength and power and pray!
- Move forward, step by step until the work is complete!
- Ephesians 6:11 says, "Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil."
- It's not over until God says it's over.
- There is a little word, "until" after the word, "standstill"
- It remained at a standstill "until" the second year of the reign of king Darius.
- God was watching over His people (Ezra 5:5) and He would help them complete the temple.
- If you commit yourself and your plans to the Lord, He will commit Himself to you!
- Matthew 6:33 says, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."
- Don't allow a temporary standstill prevent you from moving forward!
- It's just temporary!
- God has so much more that He wants to complete in you and through you.
- Commit you way to Him, fresh and new and watch what He does!
- Have a great Tuesday!