Haggai 1:1–2:9 (ESV)
Guest Speaker: Brian Evankovich
“Be A Haggai” | July 19, 2026
“Then Haggai, the messenger of the Lord, spoke to the people with the Lord's message, ‘I am with you, declares the Lord.’” — Haggai 1:13
Following Israel's return from exile, the people enthusiastically began rebuilding God's temple, as recorded in the Book of Ezra. But opposition, discouragement, fear, and shifting priorities eventually brought the work to a standstill for years. Into that moment of spiritual complacency, God raised up the prophet Haggai with a simple yet powerful message: It's time to start building again.
This week, guest speaker Brian Evankovich reminded us that the same challenges God's people faced then are often the ones we face today. When discouragement threatens to stop God's work in our lives, His answer remains the same: show up, stay faithful, encourage one another, and remember His promise—"I am with you," declares the Lord.
To Accomplish God's Work, You Need to SHOW UP
- God works through faithful availability before extraordinary ability.
- Every act of obedience begins by simply saying "yes."
- God can do remarkable things through those who faithfully show up.
Faithfulness often begins with simply being present.
If God Doesn't Tell You to Quit, DON'T QUIT
- Discouragement is inevitable, but quitting is a choice.
- God's calling doesn't end when circumstances become difficult.
- Perseverance is often where God's greatest work is accomplished.
Use Challenges to BUILD RESOLVE
- Obstacles are opportunities for spiritual growth.
- God strengthens our faith through seasons of difficulty.
- Challenges shape character and deepen our dependence on Him.
When Challenges and Disappointment Come, SHAKE IT OFF
- Remember who is with you when circumstances become discouraging.
- God's presence is greater than today's disappointments.
- Stay the course because God is faithful even when progress seems slow.
"I am with you, declares the Lord."
Trust God Will Use Your Work for Something Great—Even If You Don't Live to See It
- Faithfulness is measured by obedience, not immediate results.
- Many of God's greatest works are completed across generations.
- We plant seeds that God will faithfully grow in His perfect timing.
If You Need a Haggai in Your Life, READ YOUR BIBLE & ASK FOR HELP
- God regularly encourages His people through His Word.
- We were never meant to follow Jesus alone.
- Wise counsel and biblical community strengthen weary hearts.
BE A HAGGAI to Somebody Else
- Look for someone who needs encouragement.
- Speak hope into lives that have grown discouraged.
- Help someone move from being stuck to stepping forward in faith.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- God accomplishes His work through faithful, available people.
- Perseverance matters when God's calling remains unchanged.
- Challenges are opportunities to strengthen our faith.
- God's presence is our greatest source of encouragement.
- We are called not only to receive encouragement, but to become encouragers.
CALL TO ACTION
- Show up: Take the next faithful step God has placed before you.
- Stay the course: Don't quit simply because the journey has become difficult.
- Encourage someone: Be intentional about lifting up someone who feels discouraged.
- Trust God's timing: Remain faithful, even when you cannot yet see the outcome.
God often changes lives through ordinary people who faithfully encourage others to keep building.