11-11-05 Zechariah 8:13

Zechariah 8:13 (KJ21)
And it shall come to pass that as ye were a curse among the heathen, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing. Fear not, but let your hands be strong.

Zechariah 8:13 (NAS)
‘And it will come about that just as you were a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so I will save you that you may become a blessing. Do not fear; let your hands be strong.

Zechariah 8:13 (NIVUS)
As you have been an object of cursing among the nations, O Judah and Israel, so will I save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong.

Zechariah 8:13 (NLT)
Among the nations, Judah and Israel had become symbols of what it means to be cursed. But no longer! Now I will rescue you and make you both a symbol and a source of blessing! So don’t be afraid or discouraged, but instead get on with rebuilding the Temple!

Perhaps you have felt that you were cursed and a villain. You saw yourself as a mere trifle and of little account. You thought you were insignificant, someone who should be lightly esteemed. You even thought that other people had the same conception of you.

You did not realize that the Lord God wanted you to be a part of His house and His family. He made you someone to be praised and someone to give Him praise. He wanted you to stretch out your hands to Him in thanksgiving. Through Him, you shall prevail. In Him, you are a powerful contender, who perseveres against your enemies. You are a prince of God.

Then the Lord saved and delivered you, making you victorious. He has made you a blessing and a gift. He adores you and wants to prosper you. Therefore, do not fear or be afraid; Adonai, your God, has changed your dishonor into honor and respect. You are no longer cursed, but a praise. The Lord has strengthened your hands. Be encouraged for Jehovah has restored your worth and dignity. You have God's support and He will continue to sustain you.