TODAY’S SCRIPTURE : Ezra 1-5 chapters
DEVOTION
Ezra 4:4, 5 and Ezra 4:13, 14 When the exiles returned from Babylon to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem, the local residents discouraged and frightened them. Discouragement and fear are the two greatest obstacles in God’s work. They often come when you least expect them.
Discouragement – eats away motivation
Fear – paralyzes and prevents action
These are the two common problems faced by God’s people throughout all the age groups, and we see that God’s helped them overcome. Just like a floating ball when placed in a glass of water, it floats, but the very second you hold it down with your hand, it drowns. Here, our hand is discouragement and fear. But when you seek God’s help, you can overcome it. When the hand is held back, it floats back again. Don’t think over and over about it and don’t let the spirit of discouragement and fear take over you. Instead, go find a verse in His word which speaks to your situation and keep mulling over it again and again until the discouraged and fearful heart leaves you. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) You don’t need to fight these emotions alone but God is here to help you.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for teaching us to not get discouraged and fearful situations but I will seek you and your word. Help in the process of overcoming it.Amen.