By the Spirit of God
Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of Hosts.
- Zechariah 4:6
Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, was faced with a task that seemed insurmountable. He had the responsibility of leading a relatively small group of exiles in rebuilding the temple at Jerusalem. Solomon’s temple was one of the wonders of the ancient world, and it had been completely destroyed by the invading Babylonian army. Now, decades later, Zerubbabel had the job of putting it back in order. He had neither the manpower nor the money to do it.
But he had God. The prophet Zechariah reminded him that tasks of any size were no match for the most significant resource of all—the Spirit of God.
I remember when we were building the great tabernacle where we now worship. I was newly married, traveling over 200 nights a year, and overseeing many ministry efforts, but I was still on the site every moment that I could spare, doing my best to make sure that it was being built according to plan. I realized that the architects, engineers, and construction workers knew what they were doing, but problems, delays, and difficulties of various kinds were inevitable on a project of this size. One evening I was touring the building. Nobody else was on the property. Piles of concrete blocks were everywhere since the walls were just being started. I had not even reached by 30th birthday, and I became overwhelmed by the enormity and complexity of the project. I fell to my knees, overcome by the challenges facing me.
I don’t know whether I saw or felt something, but some impulse prompted me to look to my right. I saw a pair of feet shod only in sandals. I remember thinking how dangerous it was for someone to be on the job site without proper protective gear and looked up to see who was being so foolish.
Jesus was standing there with a concrete block in His hands, getting ready to put it in place on a wall that was under construction. He did not speak but looked at me as if to say, “I am with you. This building will be built. Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit.” He vanished as quickly as He appeared.
I cannot say that we didn’t have any more difficulties, but I can tell you that the building was built. I can also tell you that I never again was overwhelmed by the problems that arose.
Zechariah’s exhortation was written twenty-five hundred years ago, but the truth remains. You may be facing dark and difficult times. An unnerving diagnosis by your doctor, financial difficulties or family circumstances may seem impossible. I pray that you recognize that the God who breathed these words to the prophet Zechariah is the same God speaking them to you today. Regardless of the circumstances, the battle belongs to the Lord. You cannot endure or prevail in your own strength and power. But you can put your hope and your trust in the God who is your Savior, your healer, your deliverer, your strength, your portion, and your provider. There is nothing that is too hard for God.
Regardless of what you are facing, and despite how intense the battle may be, your victory will come “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of Hosts.” This is a holy declaration from a holy God, for you, His holy child!
Lord, direct our steps this day into the way of peace and strengthen our hearts to obey Your commandments. May the Dayspring visit us from on high, and give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, that they may adore You for Your mercy, follow You for Your truth,
desire You for Your sweetness, for You are the blessed Lord our God. Amen.
Further Reading
- Zechariah 4:6
- Philippians 4:11
- 1 Corinthians 15:57
