God Is the Source of Our Power

“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 reminds us that God is the source of our power. This Zechariah 4:6 devotional looks at Zerubbabel and the rebuilding of the temple. His story still speaks to our lives today. In other words, God is the source of our power, no matter what we face.

When we face overwhelming obstacles and limited resources, God’s Spirit equips us. He gives us the strength to accomplish what would otherwise seem impossible. This means we remember that God is the source of our power, not our circumstances.

When Solomon built the temple, he had abundant resources. His father, David, had prepared treasures and materials for the work.

But the remnant in Zerubbabel’s day did not have the same strength, wealth, or military support. They had to depend on God. In the same way, we must look beyond our own abilities and always remember God is the source of our power. We must trust the Lord as the true source of our strength.

Finding Strength When Resources Are Limited

God not only promises to help us; He also assures us that what He begins, He will finish. Faith can move the greatest mountains in our path when it rests in Him.

Through prayer and dependence on the Holy Spirit, we receive strength to persevere. We can overcome discouragement and see God’s work completed in ways that bring glory to Him.

In Zechariah 4:6, God spoke to Zerubbabel through His prophet: “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit.” The word “might” points to collective strength, such as armies and human resources. But the remnant did not have an army. The word “power” points to personal strength and ability, yet Zerubbabel’s resources were limited. His confidence had to rest in God’s Spirit.

Not by Might nor by Power: Depending on God’s Spirit

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 approaches may produce temporary results. They rely on human or worldly strength. Only work accomplished through God’s Spirit brings lasting glory to Him and endures the test of judgment. Undoubtedly, God is the source of our power as the Scripture teaches.

We must remember that God is the source of our provision. Whenever He sends us on a mission, He provides what we need for the task.

The word of the Lord to Zerubbabel became his source of courage. 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 Through Prayer and the Holy Spirit

Zerubbabel’s challenges were not so different from the ones we face today. Prayer is our response to every mountain because it turns our attention back to God.

Through prayer, we depend on the Holy Spirit. He strengthens us for the work before us. When the early Christians faced opposition, they turned to God in prayer. God answered by filling them with the Holy Spirit and giving them boldness (Acts 4:23-31).

Just as God worked through Zerubbabel and the early church, He still works through ordinary people and small beginnings to reveal His faithfulness.

When we rely on Him in prayer and follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit, our obstacles become opportunities for His greatness to be displayed.

How God Uses Small Beginnings to Reveal His Power

Throughout the Bible, God often used small things to accomplish great purposes. When He set the plan of salvation in motion through Abraham’s family, He began with a promised child named Isaac (Genesis 21).

When He delivered His people from Egypt, He used a baby’s cry to move Pharaoh’s daughter with compassion (Exodus 2:1-10). God used a shepherd boy and a sling to defeat a giant (1 Samuel 17). He also used 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. God is glorified through humble beginnings, and He uses them to accomplish great things. Ultimately, God is the source of our power, working through us even in small ways.

Every challenge can become a testimony of God’s ability to transform small beginnings into remarkable outcomes. Remain faithful, stay prayerful, and do not underestimate what the Lord can do through a life fully dependent on Him.

Heavenly Father, let Your word to Zerubbabel strengthen my heart today. I declare grace, grace over my insecurities, lack, and weaknesses. I choose to depend on Your Spirit, Your promises, and Your power. Amen.