Bible Reading: Ezra 5. 2 Timothy 2:1-9
“And thus they returned us answer, saying, we are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and build the house that was builded these many years ago, which a great king of Israel builded and set up” – Ezra 5:11 (KJV).
The fact that one is in the centre of God’s will does not exempt one from challenges and trials. It simply prepares and arms one with authority and faith to confront the challenges. Some Christians erroneously think that being in God’s will means there will be no opposition or that things will be easy and smooth. On the contrary, Christianity is not on the beds of ease. “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all” – Psalm 34:19 (KJV)
Their mission to rebuild the temple was in line with God’s will and in fulfillment of the prophecy of Jeremiah. But the prophecy never said it will be easy. God has not called us to do easy job but possible job. The scripture does not say that all things are easy with God but that, all things are possible with God. Trials and challenges are part of the Christian walk. They help to strengthen our faith.
King Cyrus passed a decree that the temple be rebuilt; the prophets of God were there to help and give their prophetic support, on the other side were adversaries of the Jews. In life we receive not only support but life also attracts oppositions. We must learn to deal with both with wisdom and authority. The adversaries first disguised as partners to assist them in the work but they were wise enough to discern that it was a trick. When their pretence was discovered, they suddenly turned to oppose and attack the work. The Jews stood firm in faith and continued the work. The adversaries then resorted to accusation and blackmail, accusing them of rebellion. All these were efforts of the enemy to discourage the people and stop the work.
The Jews could not be intimidated, hear their response, “…. we are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and build the house that was builded these many years ago, which a great king of Israel builded and set up” – Ezra 5:11 (KJV). Note that their confidence was first in God, who has authorized them to build, and then in the decree of King Cyrus who gave them authority to do so. Satan will always challenge our mission but we should recognize our authority in Christ. Remember the words of apostle Peter: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world” –1 Peter 5:8-9 (KJV).
PRAYER: Dear Lord, help me to always recognize and exercise my authority in Christ.
Rev. Vincent Diolu