By His Spirit
Zechariah 4:6-7
So he answered me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by strength or by might, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts. ‘What are you, great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain. And he will bring out the capstone, accompanied by shouts of: Grace, grace to it.'”
God had called His people out of exile to rebuild Jerusalem. Nehemiah was called to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, and Zerubbabel was to rebuild the temple. Opposition to the building from neighboring nations had ceased the rebuilding, and the people had lost vision and hope. God spoke to His prophet, Zechariah, to encourage the people to turn to Him.
Opposition stops human strength and power from moving forward, which is why we must rely upon God. His Spirit moves mountains and enables us to complete our mission. While He may give us a vision, we cannot complete it in our own strength. We complete it in His Spirit one faithful step at a time.
Consider the Message translation of this passage:
Then he said, “This is GOD’s Message to Zerubbabel: ‘You can’t force these things. They only come about through My Spirit,’ says GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies. ‘So, big mountain, who do you think you are? Next to Zerubbabel you’re nothing but a molehill. He’ll proceed to set the Cornerstone in place, accompanied by cheers: Yes! Yes! Do it!'”
We can’t force things to go God’s way. Nor can we force His vision to manifest. God will make a molehill of any mountain that stands in our way as we follow Him in obedience to our call. Verse 10 of this chapter warns us not to despise the day of small beginnings. What may appear small to us is huge when God is in it. His Spirit is with us, working out all things for our good and His glory. Eventually, what looked impossible in the natural is realized when we lay the final stone on a project or mission once believed to be impossible. One stone, one step, one day at a time in God’s presence and by God’s Spirit we realize victory.
Don’t despise your day of small things. God’s Spirit will move the mountains needed for your victory as you continue in obedience. Trust Him to do what you cannot, and remain faithful to your call. The God-of-Angel-Armies fights for you, and victory is yours if you don’t give up.
Have a blessed day!