Not By Strength

Zerubbabel by lineage could have been a king of Judah in the line of David. Instead he served as a governor and one who was exalted by God. “‘I will take you, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, My servant’—this is the LORD’s declaration—'and make you like My signet ring, for I have chosen you.’ This is the declaration of the LORD of Hosts” (Haggai 2:23b). He was a great leader.  Yet God made it clear through the prophet, Zechariah, that it was not Zerubbabel’s human power that accomplished God’ will, but rather God’s Spirit.

Meditation
Zechariah 4:6—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.
           
When we are strong and everything is going well it is easy to forget about God and to take credit ourselves for accomplishments. We need to be reminded that it is by the Holy Spirit that we are able to succeed. But it is also true in those periods of life where we feel overwhelmed, helpless, grief-stricken and lost that any strength we muster is not the key.  It is the Holy Spirit we need to help us. Watchman Nee wrote in The Normal Christian Life,

“When the Holy Spirit takes things in hand there is no need for strain on our part.”

“Not by strength or by might” means stop depending on ourselves to find solutions to life’s challenges. Recently, I celebrated my 40th West Point reunion with classmates. It is fascinating to watch how we have changed over the years.  One of the things many of us noticed is there is much less posturing, much less effort on the part of some to come across as impressive or important. So, it was not uncommon for a classmate to walk up and say, “I lost a child this year to COVID and I’m devastated.  Will you pray for me?”  Or, “I lost my job and I need God’s help—please keep me in your prayers.” While it is sobering to share pain, it is refreshing to see that those who once would not dare be seen as needing help, now freely recognize and desire God’s assistance.  
           
Aging is anything but subtle when it comes to highlighting frailty. We may be blessed with money, power, prestige and be in good health and mind but none of that will bring us past death to life.  It is not by our strength but by the Spirit that we move upward.  Praise God that He loves us so much that He is willing to help us; willing to walk beside us, and to bring forth the victory He, and He only can achieve.  Something to think about . . . in reveration! 
 
Inspiration
The single greatest key to eternal success in any Christian endeavor is allowing the full work of the Holy Spirit in and through us.—Dutch Sheets in Watchman Prayer
 
©2021 Daniel York  ARR.  Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you would like to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.     
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Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)