When trials arrive, it's a myth you'll rise to the occasion, rather you'll sink to your level of preparation; preparedness arises only from continual training.

Israel faced a similar situation. After one captivity a few decided to return to the Holy Land to build the temple. As enemies launched their attack, the builders withered, gave up, and quit. The battle's too hard, we're tired, let someone else do it, it's not the right time, rationalizing their excuses for failing to stay the course.

Christians encounter equivalent situations today, requiring the identical solution proposed to Israel as Zechariah and Haggai appear around the same time to urge the people to rejoin the battle, providing real-world advice remaining useful today.