September 20, 2022
“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord of hosts … “For who has despised the day of small things?” (Zechariah 4:6, 10)
It is a natural belief that the biggest wins. That human power is the necessary ingredient for success. That the higher intellect, the greater resources always have the advantage. We usually assume the position of defeat when we realize that we have deficient power to face the challenge, less means than our enemies.
But God specializes in taking the weak to confound those who think they’re strong. The small to overcome the mighty. It is His delight to do so, for in so doing, He manifests His strength and receives greater recognition. Such activity helps us understand that He alone is God.
God’s evaluations are always different. For He knows there is a higher equation when He is involved.
THE PROPHETIC WORD
The prophet Zechariah reminded the rulers of his day (and us today) that battles are not won in God’s economy by human strength or power. It is by the power of His Spirit. To add emphasis, he reminds us of the One who has made this promise: “The Lord of HOSTS” (the One who commands the armies of heaven and holds earth and heaven in his hand.)
We are commanded not to despise the “day of small things.” Don’t treat the power of God lightly. He is able to take the weakest man or woman and, filled with His Spirit, accomplish anything. He can use the smallest beginning and create that which is eternally significant and enduring. What looks daunting to you is irrelevant to the One who made you and everything around You—the One who spoke earth and heaven into existence.
The God who took 12 common men, filled them with the Spirit at Pentecost and began a movement of millions that will last through eternity can use you. Whether or not He is with you and His Spirit is in control is the Divine difference. And He loves to take the foolish to confound those who think they are wise; the weak to overpower the supposed mighty.
Satan loves to intimidate us so that we give up the battle before it begins. Don’t bend under his schemes. Don’t focus on your limited resources and ability, or the magnitude of the task God has laid before you. Believe in God's power and His desire to use you, weak as you may be. Yield to Him daily and fully and see what God can do!
Father, thank You that we are helpless without You. But if we abide in You and Your Spirit abides in us, we can bear much fruit. Thank You that we can do “all things through Christ who strengthens” us. We surrender to Your Lordship today. Fill us with Your Spirit and courage, help us face the day, and believe You for great things!
May 08, 2025
All of us are dramatically shaped by how we view ourselves. Some have too low a perspective; some too high. To be imbalanced here is harmful in either direction.
April 30, 2025
And then he said with a twinkle in his eye that had seen nine decades plus, “I believe this may be the best season of my life!”
