In God's Strength, not your own

"Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit"  Zechariah 4:6. NKJV

We are often tempted to do some work for God, in our own strength. Then when it has not worked out the way we expected, we are left with the question, Why? Well, God's a loving God, who loves us being obedient to His word. The problem is, we can become so overzealous in our endeavours to 

please God, that we go overboard with our attempts. Nothing will ever be completed properly for God, when we try to do things in our own strength. We become frustrated, burnout and have egg on our face as we realise it is just not working. I've tried it 

in the past and, I am sure that you have too. We may become close but, it may soon crumble because the Spirit of God has not breathed upon it.

David Guzik from Enduring Word gives us a good insight into this area:

Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts: In the vision of Zechariah 3 God spoke to Zerubbabel about the issue of purity. But purity alone was not enough to accomplish the work of God – the work of God also needs resources, and not the resources of human might or power.

Might focuses on collective strength, the resources of a group or army. 

Power focuses on individual strength. God says, “not by the resources of many or one, but by My Spirit. It will not be by your cleverness, your ability, or your physical strength that the 

temple will be rebuilt, but by the Spirit of God.”

ii. The necessary resource for God’s work is the Holy Spirit and God promises Zerubbabel a 

rich resource in the Spirit of God to accomplish His work. When we trust in our own resources  whether they be small or great in the eyes of man – then we don’t enjoy the full supply of the Spirit. 

By My Spirit: Oil is a good representation of the Holy Spirit.
* Oil lubricates when used for that purpose – there

is little friction and wear among those who  are lubricated by the Spirit of God.
* Oil heals and was used as a medicinal treatment 

in biblical times (Luke 10:34) – the Spirit of God brings healing and restoration.
* Oil lights when it is burned in a lamp – where the Spirit of God is, there is light.
* Oil warms when it is used as fuel for a flame – where the Spirit of God is there is warmth and comfort.
* Oil invigorates when used to massage – the Holy Spirit invigorates us for His service.
* Oil adorns when applied as a perfume – the Holy Spirit adorns us and makes us more 

pleasant to be around.
* Oil polishes when used to shine metal – the Holy Spirit wipes away our grime, smoothing out our rough edges.  https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/

The next time that you are faced with doing something for God, seek His help. If He has 

directed you to do a particular thing, He will provide the plan and come up with the blue print as well. If you receive no instructions from the Lord, do 

nothing until you do. He may tell you that He has a particular assignment that He wants you to fulfil. This is then the time, that He may want to prepare you for the task. Once He feels you are ready to go, He will give you the rest. Don't be tempted to gallop ahead of Him. It will get you nowhere, except perhaps into a mess. Jesus doesn't do mess and 

He doesn't want you doing it either.

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

Lord Jesus, I have sinned   

I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

Copyright 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

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