FAST-Day 5

Day 5 Provision for the laborers and the work
Read Ezra 2:68-69; 6:22, 6-10; Haggai 1:2-11; 2:15-19

“Then the family heads… and the priests and Levites – everyone whose heart God has moved – prepared to go up and build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem. All their neighbors assisted them with articles of silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with valuable gifts, in addition to the freewill offerings.” Ezra 1:5, 6

Just as in Ezra’s time, God moved on some to go and do the work and some to finance the work, and we can see Him doing the same today. Some made donations to the work once they were on site and saw the need. That also has been the response of many who have participated in Vapor trips; it opened their eyes and hearts more to the desperate need.
The temple we are building is not made with bricks and stones like in the Old Testament. I Peter 2:5 says “you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” When we invest in the laborers who are working in God’s harvest fields; building His temple, we also share in their reward (Matthew 10:42, Matthew 10: 10; Luke 10:7). Even if we cannot go, we can still share in our Savior’s joy in this way.

Even in a financial famine like America is experiencing right now, God can still cause us to reap a hundredfold if we are obedient to go where He leads. God did it for Isaac and He has not changed (Genesis 26). Since He already knows our needs, let us ask Him to move on the hearts of the people through whom He wants to provide for His work.

Prayer: Father, thank you for your incredible provision for Vapor and those working with them over this past year. Truly you have opened the windows of heaven and blessed them beyond what they could have asked or even thought just one year ago. Thank you for moving on laborers to join in the work and moving on others to provide for the work. Let those who have committed to this, be faithful according to their abilities to give whether it be time, prayer, work or finances. May it be credited to their treasure in heaven. May they truly be fragrant offerings and acceptable sacrifices that bring You great pleasure (Phil.4:17, 18). And above all else, may You be glorified in Jesus’ name, amen.