Partnerships

Women's Bible study begins again on Wed, the 17th. This is big news! I love Bible study. I love the accountability, sitting at His feet to learn fresh and new, the new groups and women I get to know a little better as we fellowship. I love it.

I was reading Ezra 5 this morning and was struck by a verse.

The enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were rebuilding a Temple to the Lord, the God of Israel. 2 So they approached Zerubbabel and the other leaders 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."
3 But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the other leaders of Israel replied, "You may have no part in this work, for we have nothing in common. We alone will build the Temple for the Lord, the God of Israel, just as King Cyrus of Persia commanded us."
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 aims. This went on during the entire reign of King Cyrus of Persia and lasted until King Darius of Persia took the throne.

I think what struck me most was that the residents who came offered to help build. They offered evidence of worship and history. They wanted to serve - or so they said. I marvel at the response, because you know that they needed all the help they could get in order to accomplish this most holy task. They said 'no - you have no part in this work, for we have nothing in common.' It strikes me so deeply because I need someone to come alongside to help with this work of leading group, and it has to be someone with the same mindset, goals, and calling as myself. Someone who won't tear down what is being built up. Someone who can guard the work of the Lord. This is a tricky thing to find, I have found, especially if you aren't familiar with the voice of the Holy Spirit. People can serve without Him, but it surely is harder to do!

God has blessed me with an assistant I love. She is precious to my heart. More importantly, she has the same vision I do. To love the ladies and point them to Jesus. She has a passion for God's Word and a tender heart for the lost and struggling. I feel blessed this year, as in the past, to know that this is a partnership that God has joined together. I can't wait to see what the Lord will do in all our lives this coming year.