Day 255

Ezra 5:3-6:14a; Zechariah 6:1-8:23.  “Surprising Support”

         Support and encouragement can come from many different sources and sometimes it can be a little surprising to us.  I would imagine that God’s people experienced some anxiety and discouragement when the governors of neighboring provinces began to investigate the work they were doing on the temple.  There was no guarantee that Darius would honor the edict of the Babylonian King Cyrus, who had gone before him.
         However, God saw fit to encourage His people by showing that King Darius fully supported them and included instruction for the governors in the area to support the effort.
         It can be very encouraging when our efforts are validated by those who are in authority over us.  I am sure that you have experienced this kind of encouragement from parents, teachers or bosses in your life.  So, the question is, when was the last time you encouraged someone who has to answer to you?
         May you be a surprising source of encouragement for someone today.

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?