Devotional by Angela Jackson, 2021 graduate of Tower of Hope Ministries
Ref: Ezra 3:1-6:22
When the people of God decided to rebuild the temple, they faced great resistance.
This is a reflection of what it looks like when one decides to go forward and take hold of what God has promised. Healing. Warning: Everyone won’t be happy about your progress.
Once you decide to go forward, leave excuses, fear, what ifs, and all other distractions behind. The enemy will try to pull out every weapon possible to stop you.
The people in the book of Ezra experienced much resistance while trying to rebuild the temple. Although the people were a little afraid, they decided to make preparation to rebuild the Lord’s Temple. (Ezra 3:3)
Their courage to get started made their enemies mad. They were “just” getting started and people already felt threatened! They knew the history of God’s people and how He always caused them to triumph! So, they lied on them. (Ezra 4:11)
Some of you may feel like you’re “just” getting started. You finally decided to give it all you’ve got and get your healing, and the enemy feels grave danger! He knows what could happen if you decide to remain.
BE AWARE (not beware)! It will not come without resistance. There may be times when the enemy is holding you back and it feels like things have come to a halt.
However, be encouraged! God will not leave you without a witness. (Ezra 4:24)
It will irritate some to see you doing well under pressure. To see you become what they never thought you’d become. All despite the things that gave them the upper hand in their relationship with you. (Ezra 6:8)
Your confidence won’t sit well with everyone. (Ezra 6:11) Don’t be dismayed! As you remain, you will build muscle. What you thought you could never do, you’ll begin to do with great energy and success! (Ezra 4:8b)
This time, when the enemy tries you, you won’t stop because you’ll know all of heaven is backing you!
Because of the people’s consistency and faith, the king reissued a decree that allowed them to finish building the Temple because God watches over His Word to perform it. No enemy can stop what He has planned for you!
You won’t know how God is working until you’re tried. All you have to do is remain.
• It is working
• You are healing
• You are victorious
Prayer: Lord, thank You so much for Your faithfulness. There are times when things get really tough and times when I feel like nothing is happening. There are times when I feel so courageous and then the enemy shoots every dart possible. I have decided, I won’t give up, I won’t give in, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! To You be all the glory! In Jesus’ name, Amen.