JUNE 12, 2014
Keep
Calm And Carry On
Read: Ezra
5:7-17
We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth. —Ezra 5:11
Keep calm and call
mom.” “Keep calm and eat bacon.” “Keep calm and put the kettle on.” These
sayings originate from the phrase: “Keep Calm and Carry On.” This message first
appeared in Great Britain as World War II began in 1939. British officials
printed it on posters designed to offset panic and discouragement during the
war.
Having returned to the
land of Israel after a time of captivity, the Israelites had to overcome their
own fear and enemy interference as they began to rebuild the temple (Ezra 3:3).
Once they finished the foundation, their opponents “hired counselors against
them to frustrate their purpose” (4:5). Israel’s enemies also wrote accusing
letters to government officials and successfully delayed the project (vv.6,24).
Despite this, King Darius eventually issued a decree that allowed them to
complete the temple (6:12-14).
When we are engaged in
God’s work and we encounter setbacks, we can calmly carry on because, like the
Israelites, “We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth” (5:11).
Obstacles and delays may discourage us, but we can rest in Jesus’ promise: “I will
build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it” (Matt. 16:18
nlt). It is God’s power that enables His work, not our own.
Thou art our life, by
which alone we live,
And all our substance
and our strength receive.
Sustain us by Thy
faith and by Thy power,
And give us strength
in every trying hour. —Psalter
God’s Spirit gives the
power to our witness.
Source:
Our Daily Bread 2012
