Pick Up the Tools

“Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord of Hosts” (Zechariah 4:6b)

The sun is coming up – a new day is dawning. Another day to serve the Lord – to live in His presence – to rejoice in Him. Rejoice! He is Immanuel – God with us! Rejoice! He has come to surround us – and to fill us with Himself. One person has said, “The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.” Our God is an awesome God, a big God, a God Whose creations are amazing – and His redemption even more so!

Our verse for today gives us the positive path to overcoming. It isn’t by our might, nor by our power, but by the Spirit of God. When His Spirit and His Power operate through us and for us, MIGHTY things are accomplished.

This verse is given to us within a book of the Bible where there is unfinished business. Zechariah is exhorting the people of Israel to finish their task – finish building the Temple. Apparently they had stopped this process half way through. Instead of a finished place of worship bringing glory to their God, they had a half built structure – testifying to the need of completion. They needed someone to come along and remind them of their calling. Zechariah is that person. Commissioned by God, he comes into the picture encouraging the people to finish their task by giving them a motivating vision of the coming Messiah – our Christ!

With their vision placed on the glories of the future, current obedience wasn’t an option. The future blessing depended on their decisive action to do what God was asking in the here and now. They had to “pick up the tools” and get the job done.

Our God is a God of the “big picture.” While we see just a portion of the view – He sees it all! When He calls us, or gives us a “job to do” it is so easy to become weary when we’re only half done. When the excitement of “new” wears off. The warfare is intense. The nights are long. There is a God! A God with a plan of which He longs for us to be a part! What a privilege!

If you are weary – find HIS strength. If your path seems uncertain – remember HE IS THE WAY! To accomplish mighty things, we must trust a mighty God. It is our obedience to do what He desires that brings the blessing He is willing to give.

Let’s “pick up the tools” and get to work! Not by our might – not by our power – but by HIS Spirit! With Him – we can!

Written by: Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

Take it With You

“Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord of Hosts” (Zechariah 4:6b)