Introduction
Discouragement is real even for us, the people of God, who have lots of encouragement from Scripture (e.g. Josh 1:9). Do you feel pungchek?
Haggai spoke to God’s people who were discouraged as they were building the temple (vv. 1-3). This was not discouragement that resulted from disobedience, but discouragement that they struggled with despite their obedience.
There are two inner scripts of discouragement:
1. “It’s impossible. I can’t do it!”
2. “Even if it were possible, what’s the point?”
When we are discouraged and cannot make sense of God’s story in our lives now, we can do two things:
A. LOOK BACK AT THE STORY GOD HAS ALREADY WRITTEN (vv. 4-5)
1. Remember the big story of God’s covenant promises!
2. This is the covenant: God making a way where there is no way, God bringing us to Himself (Exo 19:4-6)!
3. Reflect on this: How has God already carried you?
B. LOOK FORWARD TO THE STORY GOD IS WRITING (vv. 6-9)
1. He is the LORD of Hosts — the God of heaven’s armies.
2. There are three “wills” in verses 6 to 7: He will shake the sea and dry land, He will shake the nations, and He will fill His house with glory. One more in verse 9 — He will give peace!
3. The principle: When we know God’s destination, we will live with divine direction.
4. The story: the life of William Wilberforce (1759-1833)
Conclusion
Even in discouragement, we can choose to move forward with Christ, and take the next step. We can walk by faith and not by sight!
Sunday Worship Songs at cefc.ch/sws
Next Week’s Topic: Haggai 2:10-19
Next Week’s Speaker(s): Ps Katherine Chan (BPJ,) Rev Dr Sharon Fong (WDL) & Ps Dr Tan Siang Hon (East)
