- By His Spirit
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 that you were concerned you would not be able to complete by yourself? Or have you ever thought you had the power and capacity to do something, only to discover you had significantly overestimated your abilities? It appears to be basic human nature to want to prove oneself through feats of strength or skill.
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 daunting, seemingly hopeless task, as they encountered great challenges in their way. Many Jews had acclimated to life in exile and were unwilling to return from the comforts of Babylonia. This meant there were limited resources and energy. There was also serious political unrest in their homeland during this time, which resulted in continual leadership changes. 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 still true today. Human strength can only go so far. However, everything the Lord desires human beings to accomplish can be done through the power of His Holy Spirit. Ask God to lead and empower you by His Spirit, so you may overcome the challenging circumstances you face today. Pray that those in authority in the U.S. would seek the Lord and that He would also bestow His Spirit on them, so that they have 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.
