God' Speaks to Discouragement, Fear and Frustration

Building a temple or a life is messy business. There will always be opposition. 

But just as God did not abandon the Israelites to work alone, he will not abandon you! 

The prophet Haggai delivered God's answer for each adversary we learned about in Ezra chapter 4. Click here to read Discouragement, Fear and Frustration Part 1

Discouragement  "...Be strong, all you people of the land,’ declares the Lord, ‘and work. For I am with you,’ declares the Lord Almighty. " Haggai 2:4

When we are discouraged God tells us not to quit working. He empowers us with his presence. When you know he is with you, its easier to keep moving forward.

Fear  ‘This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.’ Haggai 2:5

Remembering the promise of God, his covenant of love, reassures us when we are afraid. Hear his words 'Do not fear' not as a command to cowerers but as words of comfort and care.

Frustration "..in this place I will grant peace,’ declares the Lord Almighty.” Haggai 2:9

In this place.
In the frustration, in the opposition, in the building process - God brings peace. (Click to Tweet)
Peace that can't be explained. Peace that doesn't make sense at all.
I could use a strong dose of some o' that right now. 

So as we are in the process of building a temple for God to be glorified in let's remember Ezra and Haggai. It would appear that discouragement, fear and frustration are just part of the process. But God has an answer for each challenge. He is with us. He empowers us to do the work and he grants peace in the process.