”Trouble with the J-Curve” - Haggai 2:1-9 - Nathan Edwards

Trust in Christ and do the next thing.

Outline: Four encouragements God gives us in the J-curve valley of obedience

1. God recognizes our struggles (vv. 1-3)

2. God reinforces us with His steadfastness (v. 5)

3. God refocuses our gaze upon His future (v. 6-9).

4. God returns us to the work (v. 4)

Questions for Personal Reflection:

1. Share a story of something new/a big change you attempted. How did you get through the ‘valley of death’?

2. Which of the four encouragements God gives amidst hard obedience was most helpful to you today? Share why?

3. Read Matthew 12:20 – where have you experienced being a broken reed or a smoldering wick in your faith? How did God care for you in that time?

4. Andrew Murray states “What our faith needs is—more of God.” What are some ways we can develop a greater God-consciousness in our lives? How are you pursuing greater dependence on God?

5. Recall the story of the three brick layers: the first saw his work as laying bricks, the second as building a wall, the third as building a cathedral. What are some verses we can meditate upon to develop a cathedral-builder mindset in our daily obedience?

6. As you think about an area of hard obedience in your life – what is the next thing you need to do?

7. What is the next thing you need to do in obedience to the command “go and make disciples”?

8. Pray to receive God’s encouragement in your obedience and to be strengthened and resolved to do the next thing.