Stirred Up

So the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of the whole remnant of the people. They came and began to work on the house of the LORD Almighty, their God…

Haggai 1:14

These people were stirred up. Their hearts were emboldened and encouraged. They were moved to action where there was previously inaction! And what was the message of the Lord given through Haggai? FOUR WORDS: “I am with you.” These are small words with immense meaning.

The proof that God has stirred their spirits was their move to action. They began to work. Whenever people are stirred, action is the result. To be stirred and not move is inconceivable. When stirred we must express it through activity or change. It would be like a teapot filled with water set to boil, arriving to that point but failing to expend itself in steam… not blowing the whistle! That’s impossible. The stirring up needs to be vented. And when God stirs His people the venting is good, Kingdom-building activity.

When the Lord stirs my spirit, I feel blessed. It brings meaning and purpose and focus to my life. I believe that being stirred is something I can pursue. I need to get within earshot of the prophet who is delivering the message from God: “I am with you.” With that I am encouraged to act! I am given courage! If God is with me who can be against me?

Father, You want to stir my spirit everyday, I’m convinced. Draw me to Your Word and deliver Your message to my life everyday, that I might courageously act in Your Name, extending Your Kingdom and bring You glory.