This morning, as the words of Ezra washed over me, one phrase rose above the rest and refused to let go: You're building something.
Not you should build something. Not maybe you'll build something someday.
You. Are. Building. Something.
Right now. In this season. Whether you realize it or not.
And here's what stopped me in my tracks: What you're building isn't just for you, it's for those coming after you.
The Question That Changes Everything
Do you believe you're called to build?
Because if I'm honest, the hardest part isn't the actual building. It's the starting. The standing at the threshold with questions flooding your mind:
What will it even look like? Will it stand? Will I build it right? I've never built anything like this before.
That last one.. That's when my mind traveled from Ezra straight back to Noah.
Noah had never built an ark. He'd never even seen rain. He had no reference point for what he was building or why he was building it. All he had was God's word, His instructions, encouragement, and the faith to pick up his tools and start.
Maybe It's Time to Get Personal
Perhaps you've decided to go back to school. Maybe you're transitioning from one career to another. You've taken that trembling step of obedience to start the ministry, write the book, sing the song. You're getting married. Starting a family or launching the business.
Whatever God is calling you to build, hear this: Keep building!!
Because here's what I know. There will come a moment when you look at what you've built so far and compare it to what others have built. That's exactly what those building the temple did. They became discouraged because their progress didn't look as grand as the temple built years before them.
Let me give you a word of caution that might just set you free. It's not supposed to.
God hasn't called you to build a replica of someone else's masterpiece. He didn't make you a copy. Listen to these words from Ephesians 2:10 (AMP), "For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above--spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them."
That's a mouthful.
But the real question is: Do you believe it?
The Opposition You Didn't Expect
There will always be reasons to stop building. Opposition from the outside. Criticism from within. But I can say from experience that the opposition from within, the doubt, the fear, and the comparison always seems to hit harder and sting longer.
So as you continue to put one foot in front of the other, look to God for every next step. In everything you put your hands to do, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.
When you feel the weight of the world pressing down, remember: "Little children, you are of God [you belong to Him] and have [already] defeated and overcome them, because He Who lives in you is greater (mightier) than he who is in the world." 1 John 4:4 (AMP)
You're building something. And what you're building matters.
I'm praying for every woman picking up her tools in obedience.
With love and anticipation for all God has in store for you,
Do you love Jesus but sometimes find yourself so busy that it seems He is placed in the margins of your life? If so, this powerful 3-day devotional speaks tenderly to women who sometimes find themselves so busy building beautiful lives but need help putting God back at the center..
P.S.I'd love to hear from you! What are you building? Hit reply and let me know. I'd be honored to pray with you as we step into this new chapter together.
