Promise Not of Might nor Power

Scripture: Then he said, "This is God’s message to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty—you will succeed because of my Spirit, though you are few and weak.'" Zechariah 4:6

Observation: As Zechariah is revealed information about how Jerusalem will be rebuilt, he hears this promise given to Zerubbabel, one of the men who will lead the reconstruction ... that the Lord will help he in this work, not by might, but simply by his spirit. The people themselves are weak, yet God will NOT give them strength. Instead, he will give them ... himself, the Lord's spirit, and this itself will produce success.

Application: How often have I asked the Lord for ... strength, power, authority, or might, in order to overcome a hardship or issue? While God could provide these things, there is something better, which is his own spirit. Compared to the Lord's spirit, might is weak. With his spirit, weakness is mighty.

The reconstruction of Jerusalem and the temple would be massively hard work, involving the movement of huge stones. Strength seems like an obvious need for success. God instead provided his spirit alone, and it prevailed. I should see these as a reminder of my struggles in life. I may desire some explicit assistance that seems relevant to the issue at hand, but the truth is that God's spirit is all I need. With his spirit, I can be successful in any endeavor that is of his will ... and I can therefore avoid even trying to accomplish anything that is not of his will.

Prayer: Lord, this day and every day, may I have your spirit to prevail in my life. May the Holy Spirit guide me, teach me, instruct me, and aid me. In this manner, should I please know what I am to do, and then have your own ability to do it. For I am weak and incapable, but you are great and all powerful. Amen.