don't like what you see? look through god's eyes

By Brittney Smith (WITHIN Devotional Writer)

Lately, I’ve been thinking the best version of my relationship with God is behind me. Today I believe, I’m just looking at a different version of my faith. I know I’m not the only one who gets caught up in how things looked in the past. The Israelites who survived Babylonian captivity were charged with rebuilding the temple of Solomon. Some of the Israelites didn't know the former temple in its glory. Yet, others would never forget its greatness.
In 2014, a Brazilian billionaire spent $300 million dollars building a replica of Solomon's temple. In biblical days, David spent years of his life acquiring the materials for his son Solomon to build the original structure. The temple was inlaid with gold and fine wood. It also housed precious treasures like the ark of the covenant which signified the presence of God. For the exiles, this was a lot to live up to. How could they possibly honor God as before?
Ezra 3:12-13 tells us, once the foundation of the temple was laid, there was a mixed reaction from the crowd. Some people cried and some shouted for joy. Everyone was looking at the same thing. However, some people looked with a longing for what used to be. While others looked with joy at what they were seeing currently.
God responded,
Haggai 2: 3, 9  vs3"Who is left among you who saw this temple in its former glory? And how do you see it now? In comparison with it, is this not in your eyes as nothing?  vs9 ‘The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former,’ says the Lord of hosts. ‘And in this place I will give peace,’ says the Lord of hosts.”
            What has become “in your eyes as nothing”? Try to find out how God sees it, and remember, outward appearances don’t move God. No matter how it looks, God knows what it will be. He has the blueprint for your life and knows the purpose of everything in it. Though what you have or where you are may seem small. We cannot judge with human eyes the value of it all in God’s kingdom.
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The weekly devotionals seek to encourage you to dig deeper into Scripture as you take the time to daily read, meditate, and internalize the verses in the devotional, along with the passages provided below to give greater context. Take the time to read them throughout the week (repetition is important) and ask the Holy Spirit to help you grasp what God is showing you about Himself, about you, and how to live in light of these truths. 

Passages to read/memorize/meditate:
Haggai 2:3-9
Ezra 3:10-13
Zechariah 4:9-10


Questions to Reflect on:

1. What situation looks disappointing to you right now in your life? Ask God to show you how He sees that situation.
2. Can you see God’s blueprint even in the middle of your disappointment?