We often find ourselves in situations that require faith in God and favour from God. You may even be in what feels like an impossible space at this moment personally, as a church or even as a nation. Be encouraged today; God is able, He can do the impossible, in fact, “all things are possible” is His signature mark!
In the book of Zechariah, after the Babylonian exile, the King of Persia allowed 50,000 Jews to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple under Zerubbabel, governor of Jerusalem. At the time, Zechariah, a prophet and priest was receiving visions from the Lord. Zechariah and Haggai were both ministering in this period of history. Haggai encouraged the returned Jewish exiles in their work, and Zechariah exhorted the people to repent of sin and renew their covenant with God. In chapter 4:6, God spoke this incredible message through Zechariah, 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.
This message was in regard to the rebuilding of the temple. Building had started previously but been stopped because of opposition from neighbours. The restart of the rebuilding would have seemed impossible but was now being made possible through the powerful hand of God. The key message of verse 6 was simple; the work of rebuilding the temple would and could only be accomplished by the working of God’s Spirit, not by human strength or power! The same principle remains for us today. The work that God wants to do in our lives, churches and nations can only be accomplished through the working of His Spirit.
In fact, when the Holy Spirit starts to move, nothing can stop Him! Just look at Zechariah 4:7 Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain. And he shall bring forward the top stone amid shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it! In other words, no mountain, no obstacle, no person or people can or will stand against the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Before God all opposition did and will bow, the temple was rebuilt and Zerubbabel put the top stone/last stone in place to finish it. Zechariah points out, that none of this was achieved through fleshy might or power, but gives the glory and credit to the Spirit of God.
Oh, how we need the power of the Spirit! Oh, how we need to seek the Holy Spirit for God’s will and ways in these days we are living in. Here is the truth, as we seek God, our God-given and ordained work is guaranteed to come to pass, not by our human power or might or even our guise or wisdom, but by His Spirit. Be encouraged, seek God, be led by Him, and be assured, that He can and will do it!
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your invitation to seek You and to be led by You. We acknowledge that in and of ourselves we are powerless to effect any change but by being led, filled and submissive to Your Spirit mighty things will happen. Holy Spirit we want more of You in our every day. Help us to make space and time for You, help us to see You move in and through our lives. We give You praise, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.