Still Under Construction

Then the same Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundation of the house of God which is in Jerusalem; but from that time even until now it has been under construction, and it is not finished. Ezra 5:16 (New King James Version)

Due to opposition, the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem had ceased for a time. Formerly, the king of Persia had ordered it to be rebuilt and it was to be funded out of his own treasury. When a new king came on the scene, a false report led to his ordering the temple work to cease. Subsequently it did cease until that order was reversed. It was reversed when he saw that in truth his predecessor had given the original order. Prior to that discovery, a letter had been sent to him and it included a report on the temple work….the foundation was laid, “but from that time even until now it has been under construction, and it is not finished.”

When I read that phrase I instantly thought of my life as a Christian. The foundation was laid in Christ. All that would follow would be built upon it and it is more than adequate to sustain me. But I am still under construction…..I am still not finished. If I fail to see that or fail to understand that the construction will continue throughout my entire life, I will place undo pressure upon myself to reach a finished product. Discouragement will set in as I see the many things that still must be done.

This morning I am resting in some truths. God is the Master Designer and Builder of my faith. He has His eye and hand on me as He molds, prunes, and forms me into the image of His Son. He has assured me that what He starts He completes. His plans and purposes will be fulfilled through His working. Yet the aspects of the journey are often subject to my obedience, submission, and cooperation. As I make choices throughout each day, consequences will result. Lessons to be learned may have to be extended due to my own attitude and attention. Despite even that, I know that I know He will get the job done. He will take this lump of clay, this sheep, this fragile vessel, this marred person and will one day present me faultless, blameless, and complete before His throne. I look forward to that day and I joy in the thought!

Father, indeed the foundation has been laid! Thank you for continuing what you started in me. I praise You for what You will accomplish. Amen.

Potter's Hand - Hillsong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDAITgJXO1I

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.