As I was reading in the book of Zechariah, I came across this passage that really jumped out at me. It is in Chapter 4 verse 6: “So he said to me. ‘This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.
Zerubbabel had a huge job as a leader. He was in charge of the group that was returning to Jerusalem to rebuild the city after it was destroyed by the Babylonians. The task ahead of him was huge and looked nearly impossible. The prophet Zechariah shared these words from God to him and they still apply to us today. God’s word to him is everlasting and universally true: Work hard and smart. But if God doesn’t look favorably on your work, it will result in nothing significant.
God is reminding us that our success is not because of our own power and might, but because of His Spirit. He will be the source of our victory. We are partners with God in everything that we do. Great works are done by God’s divine hand. The Lord works through people, so it is our responsibility to work hard and smart and seek God’s guidance and blessing. We are responsible to manage our resources well and lead the people around us as best we can. But prayer to God and dependance on Him is essential. Great works are done by God’s Spirit, through us, to glorify Him.
Good reminder. Thanks Chad.