Building Altars of Faith: Trusting God with the Work He Has Called You to Do
"Then arose Jeshua the son of Jozadak, with his fellow priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel with his kinsmen, and they built the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings on it, as it is written in the Law of Moses the man of God. They set the altar in its place, for fear was on them because of the peoples of the lands, and they offered burnt offerings on it to the LORD, burnt offerings morning and evening." — Ezra 3:2–3 (ESV)
Rebuilding the Altar of God: A Lesson from Ezra 3
When the Jews returned from exile in Babylon, their first priority was not securing comfort or building homes—it was rebuilding the altar of God. They feared the spiritual threat from the surrounding peoples because they knew from painful experience how easy it was to fall into idolatry when God’s altar was neglected.
With spiritual urgency, they put on their "spiritual armor" and immediately began the work of restoring true worship. Their focus on God's call, paired with a deep-seated desire for obedience, fueled their hearts and hands. They understood the profound spiritual significance of the altar—they were setting the foundation for their faithfulness.
Walking in Your Calling, Even When Fear Arises
I love studying God's Word and learning more about Him. Recently, when I received the email that said, "Congratulations, WELCOME TO THE TEAM," I was overjoyed. I had been given the opportunity to write for the Lord—a dream come true!
But as I sat down to craft my first devotion, fear overwhelmed me. Maybe you know the feeling too. Like the Israelites facing a new beginning amidst uncertainty, I had to armor up, pray fervently, and lean fully on the Lord.
This opportunity has continually reminded me: the One who calls is faithful.
"He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it." — 1 Thessalonians 5:24 (ESV)
God isn't asking us to build physical temples today, but He is inviting us to construct spiritual altars in our hearts—monuments of trust, faith, and surrender.
Setting Spiritual Stones: A Legacy of Faith
Each step of obedience you take becomes like setting a stone of remembrance—a marker of God's faithfulness in your journey.
Whether it’s writing, serving, teaching, mothering, leading, or quietly praying behind the scenes, your faithful steps glorify the Lord and build something lasting for His Kingdom.
You are chosen, called, and equipped to walk in the purposes God has for you. Every act of faith—no matter how small—matters deeply.
Reflection Questions
What is God asking you to construct with the gifts He has given you?
How does remembering God's faithfulness encourage you to step forward in boldness?
Where is God calling you to set up an altar of trust today?
Digging Deeper: Scriptures for Further Study
Joshua 4 — Remembering God's faithfulness through memorial stones
1 John 4:4 — Victory in Christ over fear
Galatians 5:22–23 — The fruit of the Spirit in a faithful life
1 Peter 3–5 — Living faithfully under God's calling
A Prayer for Faithful Obedience
Lord,
May we be women who say, "Here I am, Lord," moving forward faithfully with a deep-seated desire to please You and glorify Your holy name. Strengthen our hands for the work You have set before us, and help us to set our stones of remembrance as testimonies of Your great faithfulness.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Final Encouragement
Building spiritual altars requires courage, prayer, and steadfastness. But you are never building alone—God goes before you, walks beside you, and strengthens you every step of the way. Keep setting your stones. Keep trusting His call. Your faithfulness brings Him glory!
Meet the Author
Sharon Milius
Sharon and her husband, Chad, reside in Durant, Oklahoma. As a devoted homemaker, she cherishes her quiet time with the Lord, spending hours each morning in His Word—a sacred time she fiercely protects. Sharon has a deep desire to write in a way that glorifies the Lord, whether through a book, a Bible study, or both, and she sees this opportunity as a step in that direction.
Beyond writing, Sharon enjoys gardening, walking, helping her husband on the ranch, and spending time with her two beloved Border Collies. She also finds great joy in traveling to visit their adult children, fellowshipping with friends to grow in Christ together, and, of course, savoring a good cup of coffee. A simple pleasure she delights in is hanging laundry on the clothesline on a bright, sunny day.
Sharon is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside Daughter of Delight in bringing glory to God and is excited for the journey ahead.
