Megan Evans, Women’s Ministry Director, LHBC

Haggai 2:4 (NLT)

“But now the Lord says:  Be strong, Zerubbabel.  Be strong, Jeshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest.  Be strong, all you people still left in the land. And now get to work, for I am with you, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.”  

Have you ever had trouble carrying out a project to completion?  We may start strong, but after experiencing an obstacle or a setback, it can be tempting just to quit.  When we do, it’s easy to get distracted, and it becomes harder and harder to resume progress.  We’ve all been there at times.  

What about our walk with God?  We set goals to read our Bible and maybe even join a Bible study, but one missed day turns into two.  Maybe we hear God calling us to share the gospel with a friend, start a small group, or even go on a mission trip.  We may like the idea, but lack courage to take the final step.  What do we do?  

A big message of motivation awaits us in the small book of Haggai.  Nestled in its two tiny chapters, God tells His people: “be strong…and now get to work, for I am with you!”  God is with you and me today too. 

The book of Haggai records that the people of Judah had returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple, but soon progress was halted by their enemies.  Maybe they intended to start again one day, but daily life resumed over the years and slowly picked up pace around the unfinished Temple.  One day passed, then another.  Unable to take the next step, God’s people poured their time and energy into their own lives and possessions until priority of God faded to the background. Can you relate?  

Thankfully, that’s not where their story ends, and it’s not where ours ends today either.  Haggai 1:14 says that the LORD “sparked the enthusiasm,” or “stirred up the spirit (NIV),”of the governor of Judah, the high priest, and the entire remnant of God’s people after the prophet Haggai spoke to them. 

When was the last time you prayed for enthusiasm? Motivation?  This account tells us that the people of Judah got right to work.  God had good things coming on his Kingdom calendar. Little did they know that the very feet of Jesus would walk upon those floors five centuries later.  How rich and relevant this scene is to our own lives. Baby steps of action can sometimes take the greatest leaps of faith.  

This account reminds us not to give up!  The Bible tells us that the Lord will finish the work He began in us (Philippians 1:6).  God has a purpose and plan for your life and mine and wants to bless us with peace and fruitfulness (Jeremiah 29:11).  Let’s get out there and do the work that God calls us to do! 

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Father God, the Bible is so relevant and full of real life.  Motivate me, and show me how to complete the tasks You have called me to. I want to bring You glory in all things.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK: 

1 John 5:12

Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.