This temple was completed on the third day of the month Adar; it was the sixth year of the reign of King Darius. -Ezra 6:15 (NASB)

For we walk by faith, not by sight. -2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV)

Ever tried to get all the grocery bags in one trip? Or move a heavy IKEA shelf instead of disassembling it before moving it? Or move too many bricks at a time from one place to another? In each case, you might occasionally get away with pulling it off in your own strength…or everything might come crashing down around you.

We want everything built up and better right now, but God has His perfect timeline for us, and we can instead choose to take the walk with Him step by step. In doing so, we build our faith and relationship with Him higher and better than the day before.

In the days of Ezra and Nehemiah, rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem took several years, interrupted at times by stoppages from opposing parties. But, with diligence and steadfastness, it was finally completed in the sixth year of King Darius’ reign.

Today, showing diligence and steadfastness in your walk to little ones who are watching and learning…just as we are little ones who learned from Ezra and Nehemiah. For my son, I purchased–and recommend–John MacArthur’s I Believe In Jesus: Leading Your Child To Christ (referral link), which covers the beliefs and values of the Christian walk, and answers many questions parents might struggle with. With this, they can see the book’s concepts lived out in your daily walk.

Sometimes we’ll forget and try to haul too much or go too far in our own strength, and make a mess, or even set ourselves back a few steps. But have faith and *know*, fellow believer, that He has plans to prosper us and not to harm us (Jer. 29:11), but to get there, we need to keep putting one foot in front of the other (Jer. 29:1-10)…and our kids are watching and walking us in Him.