“Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the LORD.” (Haggai 1:8)
Starting a new thing always comes with an element of enthusiasm. But excitement that is not rooted in the knowledge that something is of, by, and for God will abate once the novelty wears off. Jesus spoke of the plant that springs up quickly with joy, but doesn’t last when the hot sun arises (Mark 4:16,17). Difficulties will come; hard work will be required; patience will be needed.
The only thing that should matter to us is whether something is of God. That is why Peter’s prayer is essential: Lord, if it is you, bid me to come. If the Lord is building the house, our labor will not be in vain. New for the sake of new is a losing formula. New for the Lord’s sake, and because He goes before us, is worthy of our excitement and anticipation that He will be with us every step of the way. What God starts, He will finish, through a people who are dedicated to His glory.