I Built a Boat

KEY VERSES:

• Haggai 1:1-11 - The call to rebuild God's temple and reassess priorities.
• John 10:10 - "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy..." (implied reference to opposition).

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Childhood Story: Building a boat with a friend, focusing on effort without considering if it would actually float.
• Lesson from the Story: Effort isn't enough if directed at the wrong things. We often build the wrong things when life gets hard.
• Everyone is Building Something: It's not "if" but "what" you're building—purpose, relationships, identity, etc.
• When Building Gets Hard: We tend to shift from building meaningful things to distractions or defenses (e.g., walls instead of purpose).
• Biblical Example - Haggai 1:1-11: Israelites face opposition while rebuilding the temple, leading to discouragement and neglect of God's work.
• Key Insight: Opposition is often a sign you're doing the right thing. Discouragement targets weaknesses but isn't a reason to quit.
• God's Call Through Haggai: "Give careful thought to your ways." Reprioritize God's work over personal comfort.

TALK ABOUT IT:

• What "boats" have you built in your life that didn't "float"? What did you learn from those experiences?
• How do you handle discouragement when working toward something meaningful?
• What are some "distractions" you’ve built instead of focusing on your true purpose?
• Why do you think opposition often comes when we're doing the right thing?
• In what ways do you see the message of Haggai reflected in your own life?
• What does "giving careful thought to your ways" mean for you today?
• How can you support others who are facing discouragement in their faith journey?
• What specific step can you take this week to rebuild something important that you’ve neglected?

APPLY IT:

• Identify what you're currently "building" in your life—are these aligned with God's purpose?
• Recognize areas where you've stopped building due to discouragement and commit to restarting.
• Shift your focus from temporary distractions to long-term, meaningful pursuits.
• Embrace opposition as a sign of growth, not failure.
• Reflect on your priorities: Are you investing in God's purposes or just your own comfort?