His Plans, His Ways

In Zechariah 4:6, Zechariah records this:  “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.’” 

There is a fundamental truth about the Lord’s character…His plans, His ways…in this verse.  It is revelatory in regard to our own human efforts—which in light of this scripture, appear to be futile and miniscule.  There is nothing that can be accomplished, or will be accomplished, for the Kingdom of God that can be done in human strength.   

Jesus says in John 3:5 that our Salvation itself is a direct effort of the Spirit, “…Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.”  In John 6:63, He states:  “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.”  Our flesh counts for nothing…that would include our attempts in the flesh, but that which is Spirit-led brings life. 

We have no real power in and of ourselves.  Jesus instructs in Acts 1:8 that power and strength come from His Spirit:  “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”  Acts 1:8    

If all of these things are true, then why do we try to do things on our own and with our own power and strength?  When our plans and attempts fails, why do we then cry and get depressed?  Man-made efforts will always fail eventually.  Nothing in the Kingdom of God that carries any value was ever done simply by the endeavors of man; if the Spirit of God is not in it, it will fail. 

If everything from our Salvation and daily walk with the Lord (including our job, health, attitudes, behaviors, etc) to our ministering and loving on others is something that must be Spirit-led and empowered, then we must humble ourselves and make room for the Spirit of God to move in us and speak through us.  Our plans must be a blueprint sketched out by the Holy Spirit.   

Today, let’s pray like David in Psalm 143:10, “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.”  Let’s ditch OUR efforts and let’s allow His Holy Spirit to lead us instead.  If we are sensitive to Him and wait on Him, He will show us the paths for the life and the ministry He has given to each one of us.