Have you ever noticed that working together brings results? People often come together to rebuild their community after the effects of a storm, hurricane, earthquake, tornado, or another destructive event. People, who may not have much in common, now work side by side and enjoy newfound friendships and purpose.
As people work together, they discover how working together changes them as much as what they are trying to clean up or repair. Some of my most significant mission experiences occurred while working together to help a hurricane-damaged community.
The Lord placed you on this earth to do the work only you can accomplish. Paul writes in Ephesians 2:10 that the Lord created us to do good works that He planned long ago. However, he did not intend for us to do these good works alone. We need others to work with us to share the burden. When we try to do too much on our own, we become burned out because this is not God’s plan or desire.
The Israelites Came Together to Rebuild the Temple
When the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem, they destroyed the Temple. By this time, Persia had conquered Babylon. In God’s mercy, He stirred the heart of the King of Persia to let the exiles return and rebuild the Temple. In addition, the King of Persia encouraged his people to give the Israelites silver, gold, supplies, and livestock for their journey.
The Lord’s hand was on the people as they returned and worked together to rebuild the Temple. God united them with a common purpose. Ezra 3:8 The construction of the Temple of God began in mid-spring, during the second year after they arrived in Jerusalem. The work force was made up of everyone who had returned from exile.[1] Rebuilding the Temple was important, but building relationships with the returned people was also beneficial.
Working Together Changes Everything
Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.[2] When we work together as a team, we accomplish more, making the work more enjoyable. I grew up where we received snow during the wintertime. One snowflake does not seem like much, but many snowflakes can close roads, schools, and airports.
You and I are like snowflakes. As we work together with others, we can make a huge difference as we do our part. God did not design us to do everything independently on our life journey. We need people to walk with us along our spiritual journey, and others need you. As you share the burden of life with others, you will find that it changes them and you. We are better together.
To learn how working together brings results, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/journey-return
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ezr 3:8). Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ec 4:9). Tyndale House Publishers.