Finding meaning in the tough times

Reading through these words from Ezra, I was struck by how he sought to find meaning, despite the trials and difficulties they were experiencing. There is some profound truth in his insight:

But now for a short time loving favour has been shown to us from the Lord our God. He has kept some of us alive to return to get a hold on His holy place, that our God may give light to our eyes, and give us some new life while we are under the power of Persia. For we are servants, but our God has not left us even while we are servants of another nation. He has shown us loving-kindness in the eyes of the kings of Persia. He has given us new life to set up the house of our God, to build again its parts that have been destroyed, and to give us a wall in Judah and Jerusalem. (Ezra 9:8-9)

Viktor E. Frankl - For the meaning of life differs from man to man, from day to day and from hour to hour. What matters, therefore, is not the meaning of life in general but rather the specific meaning of a person's life at a given moment.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Hearts are moved

Is there something that moves your heart?

For some of us it may be watching a powerful movie or listening to beautiful music.

For others it may be taking some time in nature or finding something remarkable in another person.

Some people will be touched by the actions of an innocent child or left feeling heart-sore by loneliness of an elderly friend.

Whatever the case may be, I believe that we are all created with the ability for our hearts to be moved. God's spirit works in ways that are dynamic and life-giving. And what is more, God doesn't always operate according to our agenda either.

Take opening verses of Ezra as an example:

"In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah, the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and also to put it in writing:² “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says:“‘The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah.

³ Any of his people among you may go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the temple of the Lord, the God of Israel, the God who is in Jerusalem, and may their God be with them. ....⁵ Then the family heads of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and Levites—everyone whose heart God had moved—prepared to go up and build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem." - Ezra 1

Do you see how God can move the hearts of even an unbelieving king, as well as the priests and Levites?

How open are you to the move of God's spirit in your heart?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

In spite of this

 

"But in spite of this, there is still HOPE for Israel." - Ezra 10:2

When Ezra wrote these words he was speaking about a particular incident in the life of Israel and how "in spite" of their disobedience there was still some Hope for them. Thankfully God is merciful and was willing to forgive their sin.

What are you going through at the moment, that could be your "In spite of?" What I mean is, if you read that verse again, but added in your context, would it still be a word of encouragement for you?

"In spite of ____________, there is still hope for me!"

May God fill you with his grace and compassion today.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

In Spite of ...

"But in spite of this, there is still hope for Israel." - Ezra 10:2

I believe this verse speaks of the incredible hope we have in God. Despite all that is going on around us, and despite the troubles we may be facing, there is still HOPE.
As you reflect on this single verse today, I ask you to think of two things:

1. What does "of this" mean for you today? What are your trials and struggles? What is getting you down at the moment?
2. Have you placed your trust in Jesus - our HOPE in times of difficulty?

May God bless you and keep you,

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Ezra - don't be discouraged

Ezra records how the people of Israel had to deal with lots of trouble and hardship as they tried to rebuild the Temple. There were people who pretended that they wanted to help, but actually just wanted to distract and disrupt the good work. These local residents did all the could to DISCOURAGE the people of Judah, but in the end God helped them to finish the task.

Then the local residents tried to discourage and frighten the people of Judah to keep them from their work. ⁵ They bribed agents to work against them and to frustrate their plans. This went on during the entire reign of King Cyrus of Persia and lasted until King Darius of Persia took the throne." - Ezra 4:4-5

So, next time you are discouraged from your task or other people tried to distract you, remember who you are doing it for and trust in God's protection. Even though people may try and frighten us from the work, we need to persevere until the end! 

No plans of God can be frustrated!

Living in Grace
D3LM3

In spite of this....

In Spite of all that is happening around us, we should never give up HOPE. I realise that it is hard, but with the Lord by our side we can always have hope. This is what Ezra wrote:

"But in spite of this there is still HOPE for Israel." - Ezra 10:2

May these words give you strength for today:

In Spite of __________ there is still HOPE for us.

Hold on to Jesus.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Why 'Living in Grace?'

As you may be aware, this blog is written under the banner of 'Living in Grace.' For a long time I have been overwhelmed that the God of the universe would be willing to love someone like me. God's grace captivates my spirit and urges me to be a better Christ-follower.

I found a lovely quote from John Ortberg yesterday which sums up a little of the reason for 'Living in Grace.'

“Living in grace, 

remembering grace, 

keeps love alive. 

But losing touch with grace,

forgetting that I am loved because God is a gracious God, 

is a love-killer.”  - John Ortberg

Ezra 7:28 - "I felt encouraged because the gracious hand of the Lord my God was on me."

May you be touched by God's grace today,

Living in Grace,

D3LM3