God Gives Success to His Work through His Gracious Providence

Pray – (1/2 minute)

Read – (2 1/2 minutes) – “At that time Tattenai, governor of Tran-Euphrates, and Shethar-Bozenai and their associates went to them and asked, ‘Who authorized you to rebuild this temple and restore this structure?’. . . But the eye of their God was watching over the elders of the Jews, and they were not stopped until a report could go to Darius and his written reply be received.” (Ezra 5:4-5)
  Passage: Psalm 34:11-22

        Will there ever be a time when God’s people and His church, who are being faithful to Him will not experience opposition or trials? The simple answer is – no. The Apostle Peter wrote to believers and told them, “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy, the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) The only time a church may not have to deal with some opposition that threatens growth is when a church has lost its sense of purpose and is comfortable and complacent.
        As soon as the Jews responded to the preaching of Haggai and Zechariah, and got back to building the Temple, opposition reared its ugly head to try to discourage them and cause them to stop. In the years prior to the coming of the prophets, the people had quit under pressure. This time, they trusted the providence of God’s watchful care and kept right on building. God has a plan to use His local church families to glorify Him and help build His Kingdom. Those who trust Him and stay focused on His purposes will experience His grace and guidance in what they do.

Apply - (2 1/2 minutes)
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Pray - (1 1/2 minutes)