“They went immediately to the Jews in Jerusalem and compelled them by force to stop. Thus the work on the house of God in Jerusalem came to a standstill…” Ezra 4:23b-24a
Don’t give up. You may be facing a temporary setback, but God’s purposes will not be thwarted. It may seem like life is on hold and everything has come to a stand still. You have worked so hard to get to this point and it looks like the opportunity has vanished. Hold it with an open hand. It may have disappeared.
If so, God has something better. What the Lord initiates, He accomplishes. He hasn’t forgotten about you or your circumstances. This is a temporary setback. It is a good time for you to catch your breath and reflect on the great things He has done thus far. You have been running hard. Pause, rest and reflect. Prepare for the next stage of personal and professional growth. We do not need to venture into opportunities for which our character has not been prepared. Maybe this is God’s pause to prepare you for your next steps. The last thing you want is to move forward without the depth of wisdom, patience, relationships and finances needed to complete the project.
“Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house” (Proverbs 24:7).
The motive of your adversaries is to crush your project, but God is taking what was meant for evil and using it for good. The unfair criticism of others is a cheap way to distract you. Ignore their insults. Immature people act immature. Do not lower yourself to their level of behavior. Otherwise you may never get out. You may become stuck by spinning your wheels on being defensive. Focus on God, not your distracters.
“You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive” (Genesis 50:20).
He is the one who has led you this far, and He is the one who will lead you through to completion. If everything was easy we might take God’s blessings for granted. Or, we might forgo gratitude to God and begin to believe we are in control. However, in reality He knows what is best. He knows how to align everyone’s hearts around His will.
He may eventually use the endorsement, resources and relationships of your biggest critics. Obstacles become opportunities. Adversaries become advocates. Critics become cheerleaders. Enemies become emissaries. And setbacks become a tremendous springboard for God’s will. Take heart and keep your head up. It is the darkest before the dawn. God’s purposes will not be thwarted. Believe it and watch Him work.
“The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
What setback do I need to see as temporary and trust the Lord to see me through?
Related Readings: Deuteronomy 7:9; Isaiah 49:7; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; Hebrews 3:6
Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey
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