February 13, 2009
DAY 27
Posted by KI Contributor
Scripture: Haggai 2:1-9
A Call to His Presence
About a month into the work of rebuilding the temple, the Israelites began to see the frame of the temple, which seemed to be nothing compared to the previous temple Solomon had built. Obviously, disappointment and discouragement ensued. But the Lord appeared and assured His people once again. “Be strong for I am with you. Do not fear, for I am about to bring a greater glory in this present house than the former one.”
Often we gain encouragement when we see God’s work amongst us. When we see God at work, our spirits become lifted. When we see people coming to know the Lord, when we witness changed lives, when we encounter forgiveness and reconciliation in relationships, we get encouraged. But here, God’s encouragement comes in the promise of His presence—“I am with you.”— despite of what we see or do not see with our eyes. So be strong and continue to work. Do not fear for what might come or not come about, for I am with you. The promise of my indwelling presence with you now is the promise for the future glory that you’ve never seen before. My Spirit remains among you. So do not fear. Be strong, continue to walk. It is an invitation to walk by faith, not by sight.
How often we search for visible signs of God’s presence through His works… How often we equate God’s presence with tangible results among people. How we fail to acknowledge His presence, for which promises the glory of His house.
Lord, help us to walk by faith, not by sight. Help us to sustain consciousness of Your abiding presence with us throughout our days and weeks, whether we see any result or not. May Your presence be the strength of our lives!
PRAYER FOCUS: Kyrgyzstan
Praise God for the growth of the Kyrgyz Church from 20 believers in 1990 to 4,000 in 2000. Pray that there will be continued religious freedom in this nation and that this unprecedented opportunity to believe in Jesus Christ would continue to reap a harvest. Pray that the barriers to faith – history, cultural Islam, and spiritism – would be broken down. Pray also regarding the poor economic situation that affects and depresses all levels of Kyrgyz society. In 2008, the country began to ration electricity to 14 hours a day for all. Pray for the five Young Nak families who live and minister in this country.
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