Seizing Opportunities

SAM_1087I heard from my Neurologist today about blood work from my last appointment. He said that my blood levels that indicate Myasthenia Gravis were the highest they have been since my initial infection. He wants to try an extensive drug therapy, instead of putting me back on prednisone. While we were in Washington D.C. we had the opportunity to visit Congressman Mike Coffman. We appreciated the moments he took for us and the “photo op.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… At the beginning of the reign of Ahasuerus, the people who were already in the land wrote an accusation against the residents of Judah and Jerusalem...As soon as the text of King Artaxerxes’ letter was read to Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their colleagues, they immediately went to the Jews in Jerusalem and forcibly stopped them...Now the construction of God’s house in Jerusalem had stopped and remained at a standstill until the second year of the reign of King Darius of Persia.” Ezra 4:6,23,24 HCSB

Not everyone was glad to see the Temple being rebuilt in Jerusalem and the city being restored. The people who had occupied the land tried to resist and discourage those who were rebuilding the Temple. But the Jews had the decree of King Cyrus on their side.

However, transitions in leadership present opportunities for change. In this case it was an opportunity for the enemies of the Jews to write letters to the new King, telling him that this rebuilding project was going on and that it posed a threat to the security of his kingdom. A search was made of the archives and the the King issued an order for the building to stop.

But just as a change in leadership worked against the Jews, when another took place it worked in their favor. When Darius became King the rebuilding was restarted. The enemies of the Jews tried to stop them again and asked for their names to “report them” I like their response, We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth and are rebuilding the temple that was built many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and finished.…” (Ezra 5:11 HCSB)

They went on and told how they rebelled against the Lord and were taken captive to Babylon. King Cyrus had given them this command. This time when the archives were searched the record of the command of King Cyrus was found and the enemies of the Jews were told not to interfere and the project was completed. When the project was completed the Passover was celebrated and their was great rejoicing in what the Lord allowed them to accomplish.

I believe what I observe in this series of events is the importance of not becoming discouraged. Remain persistent. Look for the next opportunity. What is interesting is that I have observed this in efforts to get a certain piece of legislation passed into law. If that happens in the course of human endeavors, how much more important for it to take place in spiritual endeavors.

We need to asked ourselves, “Am I giving up too soon?” That may be on a dream, an unanswered prayer that has been prayed for years. Am I giving up when it seems the “opposition” has the upper hand? What worked against the Jews in one situation, worked in their favor in the next.

Any endeavor worth pursuing, is worth being persistent in getting it accomplished. When there is a delay, look for the next opportunity to seize and move forward, trusting the Lord for His protection and provision.

Prayer to today… “Lord, help me to seize opportunities and not become discouraged when there are delays and setbacks in my life. When You call me  to a task, let me not be surprised when there is opposition or difficulty. Instead, let me be patient, persistent and to know that what you call me to begin, you allow me to finish.”