God is Stirring

God is Stirring

Have you ever started something good and then stopped? Maybe it was a habit of prayer, a Bible reading plan, serving at church, or even a dream God placed in your heart. Life got busy, obstacles came, and before you knew it, what began with excitement was quietly set aside.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The book of Haggai speaks directly to moments like these—moments when we need a holy reminder to start again.

A Wake-Up Call from Haggai

The people of Judah had returned from exile with a mission: rebuild God’s temple. At first, they started strong, but opposition and distraction soon halted the work. Years passed, and while they built their own homes and focused on personal comfort, God’s house remained in ruins.

Into this situation, the prophet Haggai brought a clear message from the Lord:

“Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins?
Consider your ways.” – Haggai 1:4–5

God lovingly confronted His people. They were sowing much but harvesting little, eating and drinking but never satisfied. Why? Because they had put themselves first and neglected His kingdom.

God Is Still Stirring Today

Haggai tells us that “the Lord stirred up the spirit” of the leaders and the people (Haggai 1:14). That stirring brought them back to the work of rebuilding.

God still stirs hearts today. He wakes us from spiritual sleep, calls us back to obedience, and reminds us that our true home isn’t here—it’s in eternity with Him.

Jesus echoes this in Matthew 6:33:

“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

When we put God first, He promises to care for our needs.

Consider Your Ways

Haggai’s challenge is simple but searching: Consider your ways.

Ask yourself:

• Where am I focusing more on my own plans than on God’s kingdom?
• Is there a step of obedience I’ve delayed—serving, giving, forgiving, sharing my faith?
• What “good thing” did I start but stop, that God is calling me to begin again?

God’s stirring is not just a feeling—it’s an invitation to action. Like the people of Judah, we are called to rise up and build, whether that means serving in the church, sharing the gospel, or returning to daily time in God’s Word.

The Promise: God Is With You

As the people responded, God gave them this assurance:

“I am with you, declares the Lord.” – Haggai 1:13

That same promise belongs to us today. Through Christ, we are now His temple (1 Corinthians 3:16). His Spirit lives in us. Wherever He calls us to rebuild, He goes with us.

Your Turn to Respond

Is God stirring something in your heart?

• To forgive someone you’ve held bitterness against?
• To share your faith with a friend?
• To serve in the house of God?
• Is there a fear holding you back?
• Are you in God's word?
• To repent of a hidden sin?

Don’t ignore the nudge of the Holy Spirit. Wake up, consider your ways, and trust His promise: “I am with you.”

Prayer: Lord, stir my heart. Wake me from distraction and help me seek Your kingdom first. Give me courage to obey and faith to trust that You are with me every step of the way. Amen.

This week, take one concrete step of obedience—invite someone to church, start serving, open your Bible, or simply pray, “Here I am, Lord. Send me.” God is stirring. Let’s respond.

-DSB, Joey Rumble