In the Book of Haggai, we see a picture of a people who have returned to their obedience to God and resumed work on rebuilding the temple. The foundation had been laid about 15 years earlier, but the project stopped. However, now in response to Haggai’s word from the Lord, the leaders and people had begun to rebuild.

They were obeying God and seeing His hand at work. But one month into the project, they were already facing opposition. We see in Haggai 2:15-19 that the people were beginning to get discouraged because the work was difficult and they weren’t seeing instant results.

In our own lives, we can often relate to these people. We obey God and start down a path He has called us to, but when things get hard, we want to give up. So why pursue what doesn’t come easy?

1. Because God is with us: As believers, we know that God is always with us (Deuteronomy 31:6). Even when things are tough and we don’t see Him working, we can trust that He is there. We can take comfort in knowing that He will never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

2. Because He has called us: When God calls us to do something, He gives us everything we need to accomplish it (Philippians 4:13). We may not always feel like we’re up for the task, but if God has called us to it, He will equip us for it.

3. Because He will be glorified through it: In the midst of our difficulties, we can trust that God is working for our good and for His glory (Romans 8:28). No matter how hard things get, our ultimate goal should be to glorify God. And as we trust Him and obey His call on our lives, we will see Him receive all the glory.

4. Because it will produce fruit: When we Pursue What Doesn’t Come Easy, we can know that in due season we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9). The difficulties we face along the way are worth it because they produce godly character traits such as perseverance (James 1:3-4). Pursuing what doesn’t come easy is never easy, but it is always worth it!

In light of all these truths, let us encourage one another to Pursue What Doesn’t Come Easy. Let us press on even when things are tough because we know that God is with us and He has called us to this walk of faith. And let us remember that even though the road may be difficult, ultimately it is leading to glory!