“And be strong, all you people of the land,’ says the Lord, ‘and work; for I am with you,’ says the Lord of hosts.”

Haggai 2:4 NKJV

The word of the Lord came through Haggai the prophet. God instructed the people of Israel to rebuild the temple, but they grew discouraged in the process of rebuilding.

This temple once stood in glory during the time of Solomon. Solomon spared nothing—money, material, or manpower—in building its grandeur. It was a magnificent memory for the people of Israel and for nations around them. Kings and queens came from distant lands and marveled at its splendor.

But now the temple lay in ruins and rubble because of the sin and unfaithfulness of God’s people. In their discouragement, the message of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai to the governor, the high priest, and the remnant of the people, instructing them to be strong and to continue the work with the assurance of His presence, and with the promise that the latter temple would be more glorious than the former one.

The people’s discouragement came from comparison. Even if they poured their heart and soul into rebuilding, this temple would never seem as glorious as Solomon’s. That comparison killed their desire to do what God had commanded.

But the Lord’s message to them was to build it anyway, with the assurance that He would be with them.

In your own life, you may have faced mountains and valleys. At one time, your life may have been so glorious that others wished they had what you had. Your ministry may have been thriving. Your business successful. Your family blessed. In such seasons, praising and honoring God, sharing His love, and spreading His Word was easier—and you enjoyed doing it.

But now, perhaps you find yourself in a valley, walking in darkness, searching for your way through a forest of discouragement. The people who once stood by you have disappeared from your life. Those who celebrated your business, ministry, or family now avoid you. The family that once stood as a testimony for many may now feel broken. All you see are ruins and rubble—the shattered pieces of your life.

Yet in this very season, God calls you to rebuild your altar of praise and restore your temple of worship. He wants you to work again in the ministry He placed in your hands. He is asking you to use the skills and talents He has given you.

Remember how God used you in the past—in your workplace, family, church, and community. Now the Word of the Lord reminds us to be strong, to be encouraged, to work for His kingdom, and not to be discouraged, with the assurance that He will be with us in all that we do.

And here is His promise: the latter part of your life will be more blessed than the former. It may not look as you expect, but others will clearly see that God’s presence is with you.

When God is on your side, you will see your family united, your business blessed, your ministry growing. You will thrive. In this season, you will impact more people positively than you did when you were standing on the mountain.

The temple was rebuilt after almost 70 years of destruction. When its foundation was laid, the older generation who had seen Solomon’s glorious temple wept aloud, while the younger generation shouted for joy. So it will be in your life—the young and old will rejoice at the work of God in you.

Therefore, consider your ways (Haggai 1:7). Refocus on your calling. Kill comparison. Break free from the scars of your past. Work for the Lord, for He is with you.

Your latter days will be more glorious than the former.

Prayer:

Lord, strengthen me to do the work You have placed in my hands. Help me not to be crushed by comparison or discouraged by ruins, but to trust in Your presence and promises. May my latter days bring glory to Your name and become a testimony of Your faithfulness. Amen.