Go Build Your Temple

By Desiree Glass

As the end of 2011 draws nigh, you may find yourself reflecting on the year.  Maybe you look back and smile on your accomplishments.  Or maybe you look back with regret, remembering those New Year’s resolutions that you made in January that have long been forgotten.  Did you start a project that you never finished?  Was it a re-modeling project?  Was it pursuit of a degree?  A new ministry?  Or did you embark on a healthy lifestyle, only to abandon it a few weeks later?  As trite as it may sound, it is never too late.  Pick it up again.  Start afresh in 2012.

I just finished reading the book of Haggai and learned that completing projects was even a problem for those in Haggai’s day.  The Jews had begun to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem but, due to opposition from local enemies, abandoned the project half-finished.  Haggai, along with the prophet Zechariah, admonished the Jews to finish the building project.

There are many reasons why we may abandon a project—doubt, fear, lack of energy, or criticism from others.  But God has a remedy for all of our excuses. He is the remedy. Just like He told the Jews, through His messenger Haggai, his message to you is, “I am with you!”  And when He is with us, we are empowered to do all things (Phil. 4:13). 

Did you barely start your project?  Did you lay a foundation—like the Jews had done for the temple?  What was your foundation? Did you ask God’s blessings on the project?  If we commit our actions to the Lord, our plans will succeed (Proverbs 16:3).

“I am giving you a promise now while the seed is still in the barn.  You have not yet harvested your grain, and your grapevines, fig trees, pomegranates and olive trees have not yet produced their crops.  But from this day onward I will bless you.”—Haggai 2:19 (emphasis added)

Is your project all but an idea?  A seed yet to be planted?  Is it still in the barn?  Bathe your project in prayer.  Wait on the Lord.  Listen for His instructions for the next step to take.  Then follow obediently.  Do not give up.  Do not abandon the project and see if He will not bless you with a fruitful harvest.

“Those who listen to instruction will prosper, those who trust the Lord will be joyful.”—Proverbs 16:20

The beginning of a new year is a great time to pick up that project once again.

“Be strong and finish the task!” says the Lord (Zechariah 8:9).

The Jews did.  The temple was completed and rededicated in 516 B. C.

Isn’t it about time you completed and rededicated your temple?