Haggai, along with Zechariah, are unique among the prophets of the Old Testament because they are prophets of encouragement. The people of Israel were trying to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem, just as God had commanded them to do, but for various reasons they were having trouble getting the job done. Haggai encourages them to keep obeying God even if what they're doing doesn't seem to be going very well.

In commissioning Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, God repeated the phrase "Be strong and courageous," three times. Fear may feel overwhelming to us, but we don't have to give in to fear. Fear is a feeling, but courage is an attitude. Through Christ, we can live with a courageous attitude because we know that He is with us.

After Moses died, God anointed Joshua to be the leader of Israel. Joshua led the people of Israel into the Promised Land. However, he could never have accomplished that feat if he hadn't been willing to move when God said that it was time to move. That's an important lesson for us today. In order to have the abundant life Jesus promised, we have to move when it's time to move.