Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. — Zechariah 4:5-6 KJV
He answered, “Do you not know what these are?” “No, my lord,” I replied. So 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 Almighty. — Zechariah 4:5-6 NIV
Thought and Reflection
Each of us faces challenges in our spiritual lives that are too large for our resources and our strengths. This was the challenge faced by Zerubabbel. God sent a prophet through Zerubabbel to remind him and us that power and might will not win our greatest victories. These greatest victories, those that bring us to God’s grand story of salvation, are not won by our power and might.
They will only be possible when we believe that God’s power surpasses our weaknesses and that God’s might surpasses our insufficiency. Each of us must ask ourselves a simple question: where do we trust God in our lives and ministry? Do they lie in our strengths, abilities, insights, or God’s?
My Prayer
Heavenly Father, forgive me for placing too much faith in my own abilities. God, forgive me for feeling overwhelmed and afraid by all the challenges, opportunities, and obstacles that are presented to me.
Please help me believe that You have power in me, and in Your Church through the Holy Spirit, thanks to Your amazing stories of faithfulness, victory, and perseverance in the Bible. In Jesus mighty name I pray. Amen.
