Filed Under :
Friday, April 1, 2011“But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”
-II Peter 3:8
In the book of Ezra, we read the story of God’s people returning from their captivity to rebuild the temple of God in Jerusalem. This was probably one of the most joyous occasions in their nation’s history since the exodus from Egypt, and yet their efforts for the Lord were brought to an abrupt halt no sooner than they’d laid the foundation when adversaries of their work wrote a letter full of lies to king Artaxerxes of Persia (4:11-16). For fear of losing his authority as king, Artaxerxes immediately put an end to their efforts, having been fully convinced that the Jewish nation was nothing more than a group of insubordinate rebels who would “endamage the revenue of the kings" by neglecting to pay taxes or submit to his leadership (4:13).
For fifteen long years no progress was made on the temple, and I imagine that every time a Jew passed it by he was reminded of the incomplete work everybody had been certain God began. Shouts of joy when the the foundation was laid (3:12) were now replaced by tears of sadness as they wondered if they would ever again be able to worship God in peace. The question on everybody’s mind was the same: “Why did God let us start if He wasn’t going to let us finish?”
“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”
-Philippians 1:6
Just like in the days of Ezra, oftentimes God operates on a very different timeframe than we would like Him to. We look around and see all the things He’s started in our life and wonder if He’ll ever complete them, though seemingly forgetting that our Lord is far beyond the constraints of time and earthly circumstance. What He begins, He will always finish. Even if it takes years and years of waiting, God will complete the work He has begun in you and fulfill every word of the promises He’s made (I Kings 8:56). Just have faith.
17 comments:
It's amazing how God works... I was just studying Philippians 1:6 this morning. Thanks for the extra encouragement that God will indeed fulfill His purpose for me, even when He hasn't shown me all the steps in between. God bless!
-V4C
AMEN! I love this.. so true. :) God has been teaching me this recently, so I definitely can relate to what you're saying!
I'm so glad that God is in control and not me... He does things infinitely better than I ever would.. :)
~Rachel
Amen! He is so faithful to all He promises. We've just come out of a season of years of waiting. He did all He promised and more.
This was such a timely message for me today as in my quiet time today, I found myself giving God many questions about His timing and His plans as we await to adopt a new baby. Thanks for your wisdom. It really restored my peace.
Awesome, thanks for the post! I am always assured by the fact that God is not done with me yet! God bless and May His face shine on you today and beyond!
Yes, its hard sometimes to remember that God will finish the work he has begun. But, like you said, we must have faith. God does not forget us :)
In HIS service,
Rebecca
How true that God operates on a very different timeframe than we do! But as I grow in Christ I remember that His way is best!
Thanks for your good words!
Hi Dakota,
Thank you for stopping by my blog. I am blessed to in turn read some of yours. First of all, what a beautiful background. Secondly, well actually this would be the best part of your blog, I love your boldness in your love for the Lord. What a blessing you are! I look forward to reading more.
Christine
www.JourneywiththeLord.blogspot.com
Your blog has been awarded @
http://bestchristianblogoftheweek.blogspot.com/
thank you so much for visiting my blog and for following. I love you blog you I'll be following you as well... God bless you...
Wow- thanks for the great reminder, Dakota- Philippians 1:6 is one of my favorite verses... :-)
Yes, God's mill grinds slow but exceedingly fine. That was a question on my grandson's quiz yesterday. Sometimes it takes a life time for God to fulfill all He has for us in our life. But He will refine us as we go. Good post.
Such wisdom from one so young! First time to your site--thanks for reminding an "old soldier" that God finishes what He starts!
Always in His time, in His way. We do get anxious sometimes and forget He has a plan and it's a far better one than ours. I have certainly learned that!
Be anxious for nothing.
For some of us it has taken a lifetime to learn this.
Praise God for His handiwork with those who do not doubt but believe His word early on.
Like you said ,'just have faith'
That is what God requires of us that we are able to give Him.
Job 12
Philippians 1:6 is not only one of my favorite verses, it is the Life Verse on my blog.
Good post!
Great post. Blessings.
Post a Comment