When God is in it

Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it diligently be done for the house of the God of heaven. For why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons? Also we inform you that it shall not be lawful to impose tax, tribute, or custom on any of the priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, Nethinim, or servants of this house of God. – Ezra 7v23-24

I find great comfort in this passage especially in the light of all the bad news that we are hearing in these days. We are facing some of the greatest financial struggles the modern world has ever seen. It is easy to wonder what is going to happen.

So what do we do? Where is God in all of this?

From this section it is obvious that God is in control. He can and has intervened in history as He did here. Babylon must have thought that they were in control when they moved in and captured God’s people. Some seventy years later, despite all logic and practicality, they not only released the people but helped them go back and helped them do the work of rebuilding. This even went so far as to provide tax exemption from those involved in the work of the temple.

So how does this apply to us? The simple truth is that God is in control. He can do whatever He wants. That means that if we are going through difficulties it is because He knows that it is best for us to go through them. He knows that is best in the long run. God is good. He loves us. He knows what is best and He has the power to bring that about.

In the meantime let us trust that He will be glorified when we trust Him to do what is best.