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Bible Studies for Life Lesson for Jan. 27: Haggai: A Message of Hope
Bartley Wooten, senior pastor, Beulaville Baptist Church, Beulaville
January 15, 2013
2 MIN READ TIME

Bible Studies for Life Lesson for Jan. 27: Haggai: A Message of Hope

Bible Studies for Life Lesson for Jan. 27: Haggai: A Message of Hope
Bartley Wooten, senior pastor, Beulaville Baptist Church, Beulaville
January 15, 2013

Focal Passages: Haggai 1:2-9; 2:4-5, 9, 18-19, 23

Spring 1993, I sat on a bench in front of the student center at N.C. State University contemplating my future. For years I had planned to be a mechanical engineer, hopefully working for a large automotive corporation. I had worked my way through the community college system and was finally in a place to pursue my dream full time. One would think I would have been filled with great excitement, but as I sat on that bench, it felt like I was in Robert Frost’s poem, The Road Not Taken. I had two paths to travel but only could choose one. You see, at the time, I was also extensively involved with Campus Crusade for Christ and my home church.

Over the course of the semester, God had been using those ministries to change the desires of my heart.

For so long I wanted to be a mechanical engineer, but now the possibility of doing full-time ministry was becoming more prominent in my life. What would I do?

Perhaps you are struggling with a similar decision. It may not involve a complete vocation change like me, but it may be a question of reordering your priorities.

We all have battled with keeping God first in our lives at different times. This is not new with our generation. Historically, Judah, in the Old Testament dealt with the same issue (Haggai 1:2-9). They were enamored with their own pursuits and neglected the rebuilding of God’s temple.

God sent the Prophet Haggai to instruct them that His agenda must take first place in their lives. Thankfully, Haggai’s message did not end with a rebuke. God promised that as they rebuilt the temple He would abundantly bless those who faithfully served Him (Haggai 2:1-9).

Haggai’s message of hope is still true for us today. When we are willing to make Christ first in our lives, God promises to take care of us and meet our needs (Matthew 6:33).

Almost 20 years ago this spring I made a decision to make God’s agenda the highest priority in my life. And that has made all the difference.