In what ways can we demonstrate strength and courage in our communities? strength and courage: hearing the heartbeat of Haggai 2:4 “ But now, be strong, Zerubbabel,’ declares the LORD. ‘Be strong, Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ declares the LORD. ‘Work, for I am with you,’ declares the LORD of Hosts.” (Haggai 2:4) why this verse still pulses with life today • God addresses every layer of the community—leader, priest, ordinary citizen—so no one is exempt from the call. • The triple “Be strong” shows that courage is not a suggestion but a command. • The ground of courage is God’s personal promise: “I am with you.” • The mandate is practical: “Work.” Strength and courage are proven in action, not theory. living out that strength in our neighborhoods 1. Stand up for God’s priorities • Speak for truth when conversations drift toward compromise (Ephesians 6:10). • Protect the vulnerable—unborn, elderly, marginalized—without apology (Proverbs 31:8-9). 2. Show up consistently • Volunteer where the community gathers: schools, shelters, local boards. • Keep commitments; reliability models the faithfulness of God (Lamentations 3:23). 3. Serve side-by-side • Partner across generations, races, and economic lines just as Zerubbabel and Joshua partnered (Haggai 1:12). • Celebrate each other’s gifts instead of competing (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). 4. Speak words that build • Encourage those weary from long obedience (Isaiah 41:10). • Refuse gossip; replace it with grace-filled truth (Ephesians 4:29). 5. Share the gospel openly • Courage isn’t complete until it points to Christ, the ultimate Temple (John 2:19-21). • Offer prayer and Scripture, believing God’s Word never returns void (Isaiah 55:11). drawing strength from the unchanging promise • Joshua 1:9 echoes Haggai: “Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? … the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” • 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us the Spirit already supplies “power, love, and self-control.” • Courage, then, is not conjured up; it is received by faith in God’s abiding presence. practical starter list for this week - Write a note of Scripture encouragement to a struggling neighbor. - Invite someone new to your dinner table; break isolation with hospitality. - Join (or start) a small group committed to visible acts of mercy in the city. - Memorize Haggai 2:4 and recite it whenever fear whispers. bottom line Strength and courage become unmistakable in our communities when God’s people obey, work, and trust the promise “I am with you.” |
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