Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts. – Zechariah 4:6
Have you ever had a large task to accomplish and worried you wouldn’t be able to finish it by yourself? Or have you ever felt like you had the power and ability to do something, only to find out you significantly overestimated your abilities? It seems as though it is basic human nature to want to prove themselves through feats of strength or power.
In the book of Zechariah, God’s people had just returned from their time in exile and were beginning construction to restore the temple. This was a very daunting, seemingly hopeless task, as there were great challenges standing in their way. Many Jews had acclimated well to exile, and were unwilling to return from the comforts of Babylonia. As a result, there was a lack of resources and energy. There was also great political unrest in the land during this time, which led to more difficulties as leadership was constantly changing. But in the midst of this chaos, God spoke through the prophet Zechariah. He told His people that the temple would not be completed by their own abilities. Instead, it would be the Holy Spirit that would give them what they needed to rebuild.
This is true today, as well. The strength of human beings can only go so far. But when the Holy Spirit comes in, there is nothing that cannot be done. Ask God to give you His Spirit to help you accomplish whatever is difficult in your life right now. Pray that He would also bestow His Spirit on those leading the U.S., that they would have all the strength they need to lead the country well.
Today’s Verse: Zechariah 4:6
Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Philippians 4:4-13
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
