Hold on; God is About to Surprise you!
Now then, Tattenai, governor of Trans-Euphrates, and Shethar-Bozenai and you other officials of that province, stay away from there. Do not interfere with the work on this temple of God. Let the governor of the Jews and the Jewish elders rebuild this house of God on its site.
Moreover, I hereby decree what you are to do for these elders of the Jews in the construction of this house of God:
Their expenses are to be fully paid out of the royal treasury, from the revenues of Trans-Euphrates, so that the work will not stop. Whatever is needed -- young bulls, rams, male lambs for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, and wheat, salt, wine and olive oil, as requested by the priests in Jerusalem -- must be given to them daily without fail, so that they may offer sacrifices pleasing to the God of heaven and pray for the well-being of the king and his sons.
Furthermore, I decree that if anyone defies this edict, a beam is to be pulled from their house and they are to be impaled on it. And for this crime their house is to be made a pile of rubble. May God, who has caused His Name to dwell there, overthrow any king or people who lifts a hand to change this decree or to destroy this temple in Jerusalem.
I Darius have decreed it. Let it be carried out with diligence. Ezra 6:6-12.
Moreover, I hereby decree what you are to do for these elders of the Jews in the construction of this house of God:
Their expenses are to be fully paid out of the royal treasury, from the revenues of Trans-Euphrates, so that the work will not stop. Whatever is needed -- young bulls, rams, male lambs for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, and wheat, salt, wine and olive oil, as requested by the priests in Jerusalem -- must be given to them daily without fail, so that they may offer sacrifices pleasing to the God of heaven and pray for the well-being of the king and his sons.
Furthermore, I decree that if anyone defies this edict, a beam is to be pulled from their house and they are to be impaled on it. And for this crime their house is to be made a pile of rubble. May God, who has caused His Name to dwell there, overthrow any king or people who lifts a hand to change this decree or to destroy this temple in Jerusalem.
I Darius have decreed it. Let it be carried out with diligence. Ezra 6:6-12.
It is certainly very frustrating when it seems as if God has been silent for far too long. It is particularly discouraging when we step out in obedience to a clear word from God and we run into what seems to be insurmountable opposition and resistance. We naturally ask many questions of God: "Lord, why is this happening?" "Didn't I hear from you?" "Why am I making no progress?" "Why is everything at a standstill?" "Why am I encountering such vehement opposition?" "Why are you making me look so foolish before others; I thought I heard from you?" "Lord, I have done everything I can but there seems to be no breakthrough." On and on the questions go. We wonder if God will ever vindicate us.
It is possible that the Israelites asked many such questions when they encountered all the hatred, resistance and treachery from the officials in the Trans-Euphrates when they tried to rebuild the temple of God. The Jews could not even rebuild the temple under King Cyrus who initially granted them the permission and resources to build! Their detractors bribed the king's officials and used them to frustrate the Jews.
The enemies of the Jews tried to turn the new king, Darius, against the Jews but God showed Himself strong. The result was that Darius issued a decree which made available more resources to the Jews than they could ever have dreamt of. Darius also decreed that anyone who opposed the Jews was to be killed and his house completely destroyed! He warned the enemies of the Jews: ". . . Stay away from there. Do not interfere with the work on this temple of God." God showed Himself strong. Our God is a Mighty Warrior!
The Bible makes it clear that no plan of God can be thwarted (Job 42:2) God's plan for your life can be opposed but it can never be thwarted, if you place your full trust in Him. If you wait long enough for God, you will see His glory because in the end God always wins. Just when you think the battle is lost, God can surprise you with a rather unexpected turn of events. Are you waiting on God for help? Be strong and courageous! May your adversaries become your advocates and may God command them to shower you with resources for the assignment God has given you. May God surprise you!
It is possible that the Israelites asked many such questions when they encountered all the hatred, resistance and treachery from the officials in the Trans-Euphrates when they tried to rebuild the temple of God. The Jews could not even rebuild the temple under King Cyrus who initially granted them the permission and resources to build! Their detractors bribed the king's officials and used them to frustrate the Jews.
The enemies of the Jews tried to turn the new king, Darius, against the Jews but God showed Himself strong. The result was that Darius issued a decree which made available more resources to the Jews than they could ever have dreamt of. Darius also decreed that anyone who opposed the Jews was to be killed and his house completely destroyed! He warned the enemies of the Jews: ". . . Stay away from there. Do not interfere with the work on this temple of God." God showed Himself strong. Our God is a Mighty Warrior!
The Bible makes it clear that no plan of God can be thwarted (Job 42:2) God's plan for your life can be opposed but it can never be thwarted, if you place your full trust in Him. If you wait long enough for God, you will see His glory because in the end God always wins. Just when you think the battle is lost, God can surprise you with a rather unexpected turn of events. Are you waiting on God for help? Be strong and courageous! May your adversaries become your advocates and may God command them to shower you with resources for the assignment God has given you. May God surprise you!
Prayer: Lord, I am waiting patiently on you. Amen.