“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 - Zechariah 4:6 (NIV)
There is a human tendency to think that whatever matters in every area of life is dependent on our singular efforts. If we don’t get to a place in good time and do our part no good will come. If we don’t put in so much nothing material will happen. It is a philosophy that nothing can happen without me!
Such a philosophy greatly appeals to workaholics. For such putting in long hours is everything. We have heard of individuals and even nations where people have become addicted to their offices that they need therapy!
This attitude is also found among some Christians. The belief here is whatever can be accomplished is all based on one’s effort. In fact some would go on to argue that we earn heaven based of our works.
Yet one of the things we should always be reminded of is God doesn’t need much help from us to ensure His will gets done here on earth. God can use a donkey (Numbers 22:30). He can accomplish anything besides us. As we are constantly reminded, “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: with the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day (Peter 3:8-9).
How humbling to those who like counting their worth based on how much time they put in!
Prayer for today: Lord Father in heaven, today I pray in the mighty name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, to know that whatever I achieve is not by might but your spirit.
Related upcoming events
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20/04/2024 - 21/04/2024 All day“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong” (1 Cor 16:13)
Tourists who happen to visit Bukingham palace will be expected to notice the King’s royal guards. Dressed in colorful often red uniforms and adorning tall black helmets they stand on guard and no one dare cross them. Elsewhere in life we find guards in all manner of places quite firm on deterring any intruder wherever they may be.
For us Believers being on constant guard is a calling we must permanently observe. And why? Once in the course of his work, “Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns” (Mathew 16:23). Peter had just protested that he would not deny Jesus only to be sported out!
There is something for us to note here. Satan had penetrated the ranks of Jesus and was going through his closest disciple. It is clear that Peter was not even aware that he was being used. Anyway, he found his target, Jesus, was on guard. Immediately Satan was sent packing.
No Believer is immune to attacks from Satan. After all when once the Lord asked Satan his whereabouts: “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the LORD, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it” (Job 1:7). Clearly the guy is out there 24/7 looking for whom to devour. “Be alert, be on watch! Your enemy, the Devil, roams around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (I Peter 5:8).
Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, as you have warned us to be on “guard” help me ever to be on the watch out for the attacks of the enemy and with your word rebuke Satan, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
