by Duane Cook

Opposition and discouragement come in many forms. The neighbors drop by to ‘help’. But what is their motive? Do they want to join in on the paycheck? Do they just want to interfere? The job of restoring the temple rested on the nation of Israel. It was their responsibly and their honor.

Not satisfied, the neighbors set out to frustrate and discourage. Their disparaging letter is received by the king. On first blush, it appears to be the end of things. The work on the Temple is ordered to stop. You can imagine the feelings, “Lord, what is going on? How could you have brought us back only to allow us to be thwarted? Is this just a continuation of your judgment upon us?”

Even when we are frustrated and discouraged, never forget: “God is in control.”

A fellow traveler,
Duane