READ Ezra 6
The original decree is found, and permission is given to complete the temple restoration.

INSIGHT
It is often darkest before dawn. Just as it looks as if the work on the temple is going to be stopped, the Lord turns the situation around. Not only is permission given to complete the temple, but those who had tried to stop the work are required to finance the remainder of the restoration! Worrying does little to further the work of God; He is quite capable of accomplishing His work. Our work is trust, obedience, and faithfulness to our responsibilities.

PRAYER
Praise the Lord for His watchfulness over your circumstances, and thank Him for being in total control of your life:
I love you, Lord, my strength.
The Lord is my rock,
My fortress, and my deliverer,  
My God, my rock where I seek refuge,
My shield and the horn of my salvation,  
My stronghold. I called to the Lord,
Who is worthy of praise,  
And I was saved from my enemies
(Psalm 18:1-3).

Pause for praise and thanksgiving, and pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Sing to the Lord, you his faithful ones,
And praise his holy name.  
For his anger lasts only a moment,
But his favor, a lifetime.
Weeping may stay overnight,
But there is joy in the morning
(Psalm 30:4-5).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
So, you too consider yourselves
Dead to sin and alive to God
In Christ Jesus (Romans 6:11).

God desires to hear the petitions of His people. As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• Contentment in the circumstances of your life
• Greater love for the lost
• The work of missions in Africa
• Whatever else is on your heart

Offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
May the Lord bless you and protect you;  
May the Lord make his face shine on you
And be gracious to you (Numbers 6:24-25).