Verses that inspire

 

A very wise man once said:

Like apples of gold in settings of silver,
Is a word spoken at the proper time. (Proverbs 25:11, NASB)

I was reminded of this verse when a dear friend was counseling with one of my loved ones. God has granted this one the honor of a task that would be overwhelming without His strength and guidance. Again and again, God has moved to take away obstacles and to reinvigorate with the strength needed, and many times this comes from the encouragement of godly friends.

I won't go into the work deeply, but I will say it has much to do with fighting political corruption at the local level, and awakening the citizen patriots of our country.

Our friend reminded my dear one of two instances when God chose an honest, hardworking, common man instead of a wealthy or powerful one, to do the work God wanted done. 

Remember when we studied the books of Ezra and Nehemiah? These were two men who were "in the right place at the right time" as they say. They were conscientious and hard working. They were known for their faithfulness and honesty. And God moved the leaders they served to send them to rebuild the temple, the city, and the nation.

Ezra was told by the king:

and he told him, ‘Take these articles and go and deposit them in the temple in Jerusalem. And rebuild the house of God on its site.’ (Ezra 5:15)

And the whole of chapter two in the book of Nehemiah details his conversation with King Artaxerxes. Not only does the king allow him to go, but sends resources and letters of safe conduct with him.

We serve an amazing God! He honors us by allowing us to be involved in "kingdom work," the tasks that need to be completed for the building of His kingdom. First, he calls us; He places a burden upon our hearts. Then, He equips us; He gives us the strength and the resources that we need to do the work. Lastly, He enables us; His Holy Spirit is our constant companion and guide, and He will keep His hands upon us as we work.

being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6) 

The bottom line is, when we seek His face and His will with our whole hearts, and we respond to His call, He will accompany us on the way. And we will be able to give Him all the glory:

Not to us, Lord, not to us
    but to your name be the glory,
    because of your love and faithfulness. (Psalm 115:1)