In our last discussion of Haggai, I asked this question, “Are your priorities in the right order?” I know I had to ask God to search my heart. That’s pretty much the same question the LORD asked Israel. We learned they reordered their priorities and rebuilt the temple of God. But, it did not take long for the people to fall into yet another trap. Beloved, take courage and continue your work for the Lord.
This post goes along with our study Reading Twelve Old Testament Books. You can purchase the workbook here: Study Guide for Reading Twelve Old Testament Books.
How Soon We Forget!
It does not take long to forget does it? God blessed the people of Israel abundantly and promised to always be with them. However, the people soon forgot. What comes after forgetting? Discouragement! Instead of walking by faith and trusting God they were looking back at what they perceived as better. What were they remembering? The glory and the splendor of the former temple, Solomons temple. In their eyes, this temple failed in comparison.
Take courage! Things are Not as They Seem!
This is what happens with us. We look at the work before us instead of the One who graciously gives the work. Do we not believe God knows what He is doing? O, ye of little faith. God has a much greater purpose in His work than you and I can imagine. If you cannot grasp anything else, get this, He uses you and me to usher in His plan! Whether our work looks grand or fails compared to others, He is using it. Do not let this escape you, the work He gives is grand. Why? Because He entrusted you and me with His work. Do not look at what is seen look at what is unseen. Walk by faith. Beloved, things are not as they seem!
[bctt tweet=”Beloved, Walk by faith things are not as they seem!” username=”LisaMorris3703″]
Take Courage and Work!
God knows the hearts and minds of His people. He comes, at the right time, with a word of encouragement. His word urges, commands us to keep working. His word to Israel, continue to build this temple for I am going to fill it with glory. The Israelites thought Solomon’s temple was grand. They had no idea what God was doing. From where we are standing we can see the bigger picture. God is ushering in the Messiah, the Savior of the world. Every stone placed every God-given work we do is a piece of what is to come. It is not small it is huge! Take courage and work!
I Will Give Peace
|The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former, says the LORD of hosts, and in this place I will give peace, declares the LORD of hosts.| Haggai 2:9
There is a means to an end. You and I cannot see every little detail, for they are in the hands of Almighty God. However, we can see the bigger picture. Though we may not understand how all these little details work, we can rest in the one who has it worked out. Jesus came to fulfill the Law of God so you and I can one day live with Him forever in peace. He will one day return to take us home. Until then, take courage and work. Work knowing God is using it for a much greater purpose than we can understand! God’s work for us is not small it is accomplishing something. Work at it with all your heart! Leave the outcome to God.
Do you become discouraged in your work for God?
Do you quit or do you keep going?
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