07/07/2022 - I AM WITH YOU

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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. Haggai 2:4

Haggai was given a word of encouragement to give to Zerubbabel, the civilian leader of the first wave that returned from captivity, as well as to Joshua, the high priest, and the returners. They were to strive, because God was with them. The prophet made it clear that it was not inspiration from Scripture, but a direct message from Heaven. Sometimes we see people saying that they prophesy to others, but are they speaking of themselves, or do they have an express order from the Almighty to claim this? Be vigilant!

Any mission performed by us provokes an operation of Satan. To him, nothing is worse than someone obeying the Lord’s directions. The weak get discouraged and give up the work, but those who trust in Jesus are never influenced by the lies of the serpent and go to the end. Now, if God is with us, we cannot allow the slightest defeatist thought to take control of our decisions.

In this way, the high priest had to believe and encourage his group of helpers, since the divine commandment had to be fulfilled to the letter. This would be proof that they loved the Father! The fearful will always see danger on the way, and it may even be real, but if the Almighty is with us, is there any point in the devil saying this or that? (Romans 8:31). We are an extension of God’s hands in this world. With Him by our side, we will only collect victories. He is faithful!

With the civil part taking care of earthly matters and the faith part taking care of things of the spirit, we must not pay the slightest attention to the threats of darkness. Thus, all the people will also strive, and then, we will see how much it is worth to fully trust in the Omniscient One. With the Word of God in our hearts, we will speak the truth. Every time we confess it, we manifest righteousness (Proverbs 12:17). Why, then, manifest unrighteousness?

The union of the three forces – civil government, faith and people – will make the work become a reality. Therefore, never prostrate yourself, because this is the will of the evil one. Hell cannot overthrow us if we are in the presence of the Master. Now, when you believe in the Word and act on it, you become one with the Lord (1 Corinthians 6:17), and this frightens the adversary! Being one with the Most High makes you victorious before the fight begins. Believe!

The three main parts of the nation should be striving and working. So, remember that believing and boasting about it but not putting the heavenly promise into action is like not believing the Scriptures. The believer expresses himself, goes into battle, ordains evil to go away, and does not keep examining whether things are getting better or not. Nothing can come out different from what the Bible shows, after we have determined and believed (Mark 11:23). Hallelujah!

What more do we need, if God says: I am with you? To believe in what He speaks is to silence forever the voice of defeat and to put an end to your doubts. He is the Lord of the heavenly armies! So, take your place of honor in God’s work.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares