Not by Might or by Power

Sometimes we get overwhelmed by situations in our lives, by tasks that we may be asked to do, not seeing how we could ever pull it off.

The bible tells us of the story of a man by the name of Zerubbabel who was commissioned to rebuild the temple of Jerusalem.  This temple was destroyed by the Babylonians and was left it in ruins for about 70 years.  Not only was there a lack of man-power, but there was no resources with which to rebuild the temple.  To Zerubbabel this was a seemingly impossible task. 

Knowing what Zerubbabel was thinking God had to remind him through His prophet Zechariah that things are not always done by our might or power, but by God’s Spirit ( Zechariah 4: 6-).

Like so many of us do, Zerubbabel was relying on his own physical strength and ability to carry out this job of rebuilding the temple instead of relying on the inner strength of the Holy Spirit for guidance. 

Most times we shy away from things we are asked to do because we feel inadequate to do so. We look at our muscles, we count the amount of money we have in the bank, how large or small our homes are, how well we can dress, or talk and then make the decision.  God is saying it is not about what we are able to do; instead it is about what He is able to do through us.  Every day we should wake up with a Phil 4:13 kind of attitude: I can do all things through Christ who gives me the strength.

 What or who has God called you to rebuild, refurbish or refashion that has been broken down and left in ruins.  Is it your relationship with Him; is it the salvation of your loved ones? Is it the relationship with your children or your parents?  Perhaps it’s an overhaul in your life, could it be to make some needed changes in your home, or changes in your community.

 The work that God has given you will not be accomplished by mere human resources.  Sometimes the best laid out plans will fail.  God sometimes allows failure to happen so that He can use it as a teachable moment for us, to understand where our resources are.

In His Service,

Vilma

 

Pray without ceasing

Are you ready to quit? Are you tired of me always encouraging you to pray for your children? Have you even tried praying once? Or do you just read what I say, agree to it because it sounds good but leave it there? Maybe things have turned around for your child or children and so you think you can take a break and relax.

Well just in case you did not get it, here I go again. Prayer is the most important weapon that we have as Christians and especially as mothers to use to fight for our children. We cannot afford to put it away and allow it to get rusty or dull, but we must keep it sharp and oiled by always using it. The more we use it the easier it becomes to use.

As mothers we do know that there is only so far we can push the tricycle before our children ride off on their own — and go where they will, running into some obstacles that they may not be able to properly negotiate. However they have no control over us praying for them. They cannot ride off far enough for our prayers not to impact their lives. God’s eyes are everywhere on this earth and always know where they are and His arms will always be able to reach them.

As mothers we are encouraged to pray not only defensively- when something is going or has gone wrong, but we also must pray offensively to ward off some things that may have been aimed at them.

Won’t you pray with me? Father I thank you for my children, I pray for continued covering and protection under your blood. I pray that their eyes will be opened to recognize who you are, that their ears will be opened to hear your still small voice and that their mind is renewed that they will be obedient to follow your lead. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

In His Service,

Vilma