Praying in Faith

Have you ever felt discouraged about what God was doing in your life? If so, the little book of the Bible called Haggai has some encouragement for you.

God sent Haggai, a prophet, to Jerusalem because His people living there—returned exiles from the land of Babylon—had abandoned attempts to rebuild God’s temple in order to build their own homes and grow crops. Haggai reminded them of their job in God’s kingdom: to rebuild a temple where God would dwell among them. Encouraged and empowered by God, the people began to build (Haggai 1:12-15).

But as they worked, they grew discouraged. They compared this new temple with the glorious original one Solomon had built—one covered in gold and ornate wood. This new temple looked simple, normal, and even boring in comparison. So God sent Haggai with encouragement for the people, reminding the people He was with them (Haggai 2:4-5). Then, God made a promise: “The future glory of this Temple will be greater than its past glory†(Haggai 2:9).

The people hearing these words for the first time must have felt overcome with awe. Their own sin had caused the destruction of the first temple. Yet God, in His grace and forgiveness, had promised to dwell with them and to bring His glory—His presence—back!

God’s promise about that temple pointed to Jesus, who is God. He entered that temple, teaching and forgiving. He also compared the temple to His own body (John 2:18-22). And when He died on the cross and rose again, He made it so that all who put their trust in Him will dwell forever with Him—free from sin and death. In Christ, we are part of a kingdom where God in His glory dwells with us (John 1:14). • Emily Saxe

• Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and 5:23-24. What does Jesus promise here?

• Read Ephesians 2:8-10. Is salvation for sin and death something we can earn? What are we saved for?

• How can the truths in the last two questions encourage you when you are feeling discouraged about the work God is doing in you?

My Spirit remains among you, just as I promised when you came out of Egypt. So do not be afraid. Haggai 2:5 (NLT)

Read Verses:

Hebrews 11