But Now Be Strong

But now be strong, O Zerubbabel, declares the Lord. Be strong, O Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land, declares the Lord, and work.

 

Haggai 2:4a

Zerubbabel was the governor of Judah 60 years after the great temple built by Solomon had been destroyed. The temple lay in ruins, and God spoke to the prophet Haggai, "Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?" (Haggai 1:4) God was calling for a remnant of His people to come out of their comfort zones and restore the glory of God's house.

God is doing this same thing today among Christian who are sensitive to the Holy Spirits leading an directing in their lives. He is raising up those who are being hand picked to use their resources, skills, and experience to affect those near and far.

Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel,' says the Lord; 'and be strong, Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; and be strong, all you people of the land,' says the Lord, 'and work; for I am with you,' says the Lord of hosts. 'According to the word that I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt, so My Spirit remains among you; do not fear!' (Haggai 2:4-5).

The believers that God called then as listed in Haggai and is calling today understand that they have to come out of Egypt from their past life—Egypt signifies the way of the world. It represents sweat and toil—it is the flesh.

 

God has called you out of Egypt—the flesh—in order to do extraordinary things in your life for His glory. Ask God to show you how He wants to use you and then act and be strong lacking fear as the Holy Spirit works in and through you.