Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
“This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel:
‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’
Says the Lord of hosts.”
— Zechariah 4:6 NKJV
Today’s Scripture verse is a reminder that God is the source of our power. The story of Zerubbabel and the rebuilding of the temple illustrates that, when faced with overwhelming obstacles and limited means, God’s Spirit equips and enables us to fulfil tasks that seem impossible.
When Solomon built the temple, he had unlimited resources at his disposal. His father, David, had collected spoils to be used in the building of the temple. However, the remnants of God’s people did not have an army. They had to depend on God. Just as the remnant of Zerubbabel’s day could not count on armies, we must also look beyond our own capabilities and understand that God is the source of our power.
Faith Produces Strength
Not only does God promise to help us, but He also assures us that what He starts, He will finish. We must have faith that God is the source of our power. Faith—no matter how small—can move the greatest mountains in our path. Through prayer and dependence on the Holy Spirit, we find the strength to persevere, overcome discouragement, and witness the fulfillment of God’s work in ways that bring glory to Him and joy to ourselves.
In Zechariah 4:6, God said to the remnant through His prophet. “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit.” The word “might” refers to military might—what we can do together. But the remnant did not have an army. “Power” refers to our own strength, but Zerubbabel’s strength was in decline. The source of Zerubbabel’s power was in his faith in God.
Three Ways to Attempt God’s Work
There are three approaches to doing God’s work:
- Trusting in our own strength and wisdom
- Borrowing resources and solutions from the world
- Depending on God’s power
The first two methods only yield temporary results because their source of power comes from the world. Only work accomplished through God’s Spirit will bring lasting glory to Him and endure the test of judgment. We must remember that God is the source of our provision. Whenever God sends us on a mission, He provides everything we need for the task.
The Word of the Lord to Zerubbabel was the source of his power. God told him to shout “grace, grace” to the mountain (Zechariah 4:7 NKJV). Zerubbabel was facing several mountains:
- Discouragement among the people
- Opposition from their enemies
- An unstable economy
Facing Mountains: Zerubbabel’s Challenges and Ours
Zerubbabel’s problems were not too different from those we face today. Prayer is the answer to these problems. Prayer releases the power of the Holy Spirit, who is the source of our strength. When the early Christians faced problems, they turned to God in prayer, and He answered by giving them a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit, which gave them power (Acts 4:23-31).
Just as God worked through Zerubbabel and the early church, He continues to use seemingly insignificant people and moments to demonstrate His power and faithfulness in our lives. When we rely on Him in prayer and trust the guidance of the Holy Spirit, our obstacles become opportunities for His greatness to be revealed.
God Shows His Strength in Little Things
Throughout the Bible, we see God using small things. When God wanted to set the plan of salvation in motion, He started with a baby named Isaac (Genesis 21). When He overthrew Egypt and set His people free, He used a baby’s tears (Exodus 2:1-10). He used a shepherd boy and a sling to defeat a giant (1 Samuel 17) and a little boy’s lunch to feed a multitude (John 6). He delivered the Apostle Paul from death by using a basket and a rope (Acts 9:23-25). Therefore, never despise the day of small things, for God is glorified in small things and uses them to accomplish great things.
Each challenge we encounter can become a testimony of God’s ability to transform small beginnings into remarkable outcomes, reminding us to remain faithful and expectant, never underestimating how He can use our dependence on Him to bring about extraordinary results.
Heavenly Father, let Your word to Zerubbabel resonate in me today. I declare grace, grace over my insecurities, lack, and weaknesses. I depend on Your promises to deliver me.
Amen 🙏 It’s so encouraging to see that God’s power, not our own strength, is what accomplishes His work. Even when we feel weak or ill-equipped, His Spirit gives us what we need.
Yes sir. God waits until the right moment to show up. In many struggles I thought I was down for the count; but God lifted me up, renewed my strength, and gave me the courage to carry on. What an amazing God we serve!