‘But now take courage, Zerubbabel,’ declares the Lord, ‘take courage also, Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and all you people of the land take courage,’ declares the Lord, ‘and work; for I am with you,’ declares the Lord of armies. ‘As for the promise which I made you when you came out of Egypt, My Spirit remains in your midst; do not fear!’
— Haggai 2:4-5
The Jewish people had hordes come against them as they tried to accomplish God’s assignment, but they had the Lord of hosts with them, to take their part and plead their cause. When God made covenant with Israel His Spirit dwelled among them (Nehemiah 9:20). And it was this same Spirit that stirred up their own hearts to come out of Babylon and rebuild the Temple (Ezra 1:5; Haggai 1:14). The presence of God is still with us and is enough to silence all our fears and help us overcome the obstacles that hinder our path. We have reason to take courage, work, and be confident as long as we have the Spirit of God dwelling among us to work on our behalf.
