Pray the Word with David Platt is a resource from Radical.net.

Ezra chapter 4, verse 24.

Then the work on the house of God that is in Jerusalem stopped,

and it ceased until the second year of the reign of Darius, king of Persia.

So they're rebuilding the temple here in Ezra chapter 4 and we see a stoppage in the work, a delay.

And as I read this verse, I'm reminded that it's not uncommon when obeying God in his work according according to his word, to experience setbacks.

Obedience to God is rarely smooth and without obstacles in this world.

There's a spiritual battle that is real.

There is an adversary who does not want you or me to walk in obedience to his word.

And setbacks in our obedience to his word should be expected.

And yet the whole picture here in Ezra chapter four is they keep pressing on

ultimately through these setbacks. And I'm just guessing that some people who are listening to

this right now are experiencing challenges, setbacks, hindrances, obstacles because of your obedience to God

and your desire and your commitment and efforts to walk in obedience to God's word, to

proclaim the gospel, to do whatever it is God is leading, calling you to do

by His Spirit according to His Word, that you're experiencing challenges in the middle of that.

And I just want to encourage you.

Don't be surprised.

Setbacks are to be expected.

Challenges, obstacles are to be expected in this fallen world but press on if I

could just encourage you today and I want to pray for you press on with persevering faith and ask for

God's help in the middle of these setbacks to continue doing all that He is calling you to do.

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