The Jews experienced a lot of
opposition when they rebuilt the Temple as we've seen last week. It
was not all smooth sailing, because the devil didn't want them to
finish the Temple. He didn't want them to live within God's will
and God's blessings for them. But they continued and finally
finished the Temple! God helped them mightily just as He promised
He would in Zechariah 4:6:
"Not by might nor by power, but
by My Spirit,' says the Lord of hosts."
He helped them by His Spirit
leading and guiding them and orchestrating everything to work out
for their good. And once the Temple was finished they dedicated it
to the Lord.
"Then the children of Israel,
the priests and the Levites and the rest of the descendants of the
captivity, celebrated the dedication of this house of God with
joy." Ezra 6:16
They rejoiced and offered 100 young
bulls, two hundreds rams and 400 lambs. Now if you will remember,
Solomon sacrificed 22 000 oxen and 120 000 sheep with the
dedication of the first Temple. It was way more than what they
sacrificed this time. But they gave what they had and God accepted
it. God doesn't despise small beginnings as we've seen a couple of
weeks ago.
"And they kept the Feast of
Unleavened bread seven days with joy; for the Lord made them
joyful, and turned the heart of the king of
Assyria towards them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the
house of God, the God of Israel." Ezra 6:22
Not only did God accept their
offerings, He also made them joyful and prosperous with the help of
the king of Assyria. God was pleased that they followed the path
that He had laid out for them. And He was pleased that they thanked
Him with the resources that they had.
Today we should also not compare
ourselves to others. We shouldn't be looking at what others are
doing and feel useless with the little that we are doing. God
doesn't see it that way. He is pleased if you do what you can with
the limited resources that you have. For example you might be in a
corporate environment and you do not have the time to go on
missionary outreaches. Do not compare yourself to the missionaries
going; rather be the missionary right there where you are in the
boardroom. Or you might be a mother with a small baby. Do not go
out and try and change the world and leave your little one alone
without you nurturing him. Stay where you are and be the difference
right there. Or you might look at others living your dream,
excelling where you are supposed to be (according to you). Do not
compare. Your journey is unique and what the Lord is laying on your
heart is special. He is leading you where you need to be, not as
you see it, but as He ordained it to be. Walk with the small
beginnings and allow Him to work, He will lead the way. He knows
what is best for you and where and how you will influence others
for His Kingdom.
Spend time with God and hear His
voice and go where He leads you. Do what He places on your heart to
do without comparing what others are doing. God will be pleased
with you if you listen to His voice for your life.
Also remember to thank Him always.
He loves it to fellowship with you, and when you come to Him with a
thankful heart, the fellowship together will be so much more
meaningful. You won't come to Him with a beggar mentality, but with
a grateful heart, as a son, knowing who you are in Him. Then you
don't have to ask Him for things, but you can just enjoy being in
His presence, drinking in His heart of love. Therein lies the true
treasures of life.
Thank you Father that You have a
specific plan for each of us. Please help us to walk in Your plan
for us without us comparing ourselves to others. Thank you that the
path You have chosen for us are specifically suited for us. You are
such a good Father and we thank you for all Your goodness and grace
bestowed upon us. We love You. Amen