We successfully left the first room but are now in the hallway.
- Ezra 3:10-11 (NLT) – When the builders completed the foundation of the Lord’s Temple … all the people gave a great shout, praising the Lord because the foundation of the Lord’s Temple had been laid.
Trust issues are why we are in the hallway.
- The enemy is relentless – Erza 4:1-5 (NLT) – The enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were rebuilding a Temple … and said, “Let us build with you, for we worship your God just as you do. We have sacrificed to him ever since King Esarhaddon of Assyria brought us here.” … 4 Then the local residents tried to discourage and frighten the people of Judah to keep them from their work. 5 They bribed agents to work against them and to frustrate their plans.
- And finally the enemy succeeds – Ezra 4:23 (NLT) – When this letter from King Artaxerxes was read to Rehum, Shimshai, and their colleagues, they hurried to Jerusalem. Then, with a show of strength, they forced the Jews to stop building.
- This is where trust must come in – Lamentations 3:23-26 (NLT) – Great is his faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning. 24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!” 25 The Lord is good to those who depend on Him, to those who search for Him. 26 So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord.