Thus the Work on the House of God in Jerusalem Came to a Standstill

Thus the work on the house of God in Jerusalem came to a standstill until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia (Ezra 4:24 NIV).

Can the work being done for God come to a standstill? The answer is yes. History tells us so. But can history repeat itself? Possibly yes. Your life tells so.

Is there some work of God that you have undertaken, moving ahead? Or has it come to a standstill? If it has come to a standstill, then it is time to start work again.

For God always completes what He has begun. Therefore, if you are sure that the work begun is God’s work, then the time to start work again is now.

But first, ask yourself these questions:

Did the work come to a standstill because of opposition? If so, God is encouraging you to look up to Him. He is the Lord of the universe and nothing is too difficult for Him. He can work and complete what He began to do in spite of severe opposition. So be encouraged.

Now look at another question. Did the work come to a standstill because of your complacency? If so, know that God and His work has to come first in your life. If you have neglected His work for seeking your own comforts in life; then know that you will soon have “a purse with holes in it” (Haggai 1:6).

Therefore repent. Come back to God, and with a willing heart start working. Then the Lord will bless you and your efforts.

Again, think of this. The temple of God was being built in Jerusalem. Others knew of it. Now think. What will others who know of your work think about God when it comes to a standstill?

Will they not say: “This fellow began to build and was not able to finish” (Luke 14:30)? Will such a situation glorify God? Definitely not. So, make haste and begin to work.

Finally, know that standstills are not forever. You trust in a God who directs the heart of kings like a watercourse wherever He pleases (Ref. Proverbs 21:1)! He even moves their heart to accomplish the purposes of His heart and get the work done. Therefore rise up and build!

More Manna:

You Will Be a Crown of Splendor in the Lord’s Hand

Yet It Was the Lord’s Will to Crush Him

Create in Me a Pure Heart, O God

Sponsored Links for Christmas