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Ezra 4:4

Then the peoples around them set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to go on building.

Whatever you set out to do, someone will work to stop you. When God puts something in your heart, someone will try to convince you that you’re mistaken. When God calls you to a great task, naysayers come out of the woodwork!

Years after God’s people were overthrown and taken captive, God moved in the heart of the Persian king to let the Israelites return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. Of course, there was opposition. People set out “to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid.” They even “hired counselors to work against them and frustrate their plans.”

Some things never change. Whenever God calls you to do something, get ready for the opposition. The pessimists will show up to let you know that it can’t be done. The cynics will call to challenge your motives. The worrywarts will share their fears. When God is for us, who can stand against us? Know what God has called you to do and trust Him!

Father, You call us to do great things for You. We want to do those great things so help us when people discourage us and cause us to be afraid. Remind us often that we follow and depend on You alone. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Read through the Bible this year:

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