Creating More Problems and Delays

The enemies of the people of Judah and Benjamin heard that those who had returned from exile were rebuilding the Temple of the Lord, the God of Israel. So they went to see Zerubbabel and the heads of the clans and said, “Let us join you in building the Temple. We worship the same God you worship, and we have been offering sacrifices to him ever since Emperor Esarhaddon of Assyria sent us here to live.”

Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the heads of the clans told them, “We don’t need your help to build a temple for the Lord our God. We will build it ourselves, just as Emperor Cyrus of Persia commanded us.”

Then the people who had been living in the land tried to discourage and frighten the Jews and keep them from building. They also bribed Persian government officials to work against them. They kept on doing this throughout the reign of Emperor Cyrus and into the reign of Emperor Darius. Ezra 4:1-5

Although they were not Jews, these people were asking to be included in the rebuilding of the temple of the Lord. They reported worshiping the Lord. They were looking for work or even acceptance by the juice. I know there is some question as to their motives. That maybe there is more discussion than what is in this scripture before a decision was made. Their versions the Jews include in their response that they are under orders to do it by themselves.

What stood out to me is that in their refusal for help, they created more problems and delay. Maybe there really was a good reason, but it made me question how often do I create a bigger headache for myself because I am not willing to take help that is offered?

God did not create me to do everything on my own. Sometimes in my life I have let pride keep me from asking or receiving help that was available. Result, it took me longer than it should have. I often needed to learn things that others already had the skills and knowledge of.

Other times, my desire to get things done and be in control keep me from slowing down and asking for God’s direction. Asking if I need to have others help or even ask Him to help me identify my needs. There may be times where the answer should be “No, I don’t need your help.” But before I cut off the help, I should seek the Lord.

Knowing the needs that are required to finish something and taking time to count the cost is important. Learning if there are skills and knowledge someone else has that would be beneficial is helpful. Otherwise, I may be delaying the completed work and causing more trouble for myself.

Prayer – Lord, I know that I always need Your help in everything I do. You know at times asking for help is hard and even receiving help that is offered is difficult for me. Grow me in this ability. Lord give me discernment in my need as well as if help should be received. I asked these things in Jesus name, Amen.