“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. Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it.” Zechariah 4:6-7 (KJV)
Rev. Jack Darylrimple surveyed the valley below but his mind was elsewhere. He thought about the goals his church board had outlined. They wanted a spiritually vibrant church, ministering to the community, overflowing with involved people, on a campus that would be the envy of every pastor in town. This was the proverbial tall order. The mountain of obstacles was enormous. He wondered why they had called him. Why had he accepted? He knew he couldn’t achieve what the board wanted. Tears of anger filled his eyes. He hated defeat.
Jack sank to his knees and let the anger ebb away. Afterwards, he prayed and laid the problems before the Lord. Jack got up refreshed, assured that the Spirit of God would level his mountains.
At times, personal circumstances may seem insurmountable. Everywhere we look, another obstacle arises. The enemy whispers, “Every one has abandoned you. It can’t be done.” But the Word of God thunders in our mind, “not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord.”
Human strengths and skill can never achieve the will of God to his fullest plan and purpose. An overwhelming majority can neither achieve nor defeat his objectives. What God wants achieved will only occur through the power and strength of his Spirit. Only the Holy Spirit can make our mountains to become plains. Only the Holy Spirit can set the headstone of his work. Only the Holy Spirit can enable us to shout, “Grace, grace unto it.”
Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. Thank you for the revelation of this text. Forgive me for trying to achieve my appointed tasks through my might and power. Enable me to rely upon your Spirit to achieve what I am supposed to achieve for you. Empower me to do my part but know the difference between mine and yours. This I pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for the Holy Spirit and cooperate with him,
Pastor Smith