“‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” Zechariah 4:6 (NIV)
You ever fight with a jar of pickles so long, it becomes a moral dilemma? At first, it’s about lunch, but then it’s about pride. You twist until your hands are red, maybe muttering things under your breath you’ll have to repent for later. Then someone walks up, casually twists the lid, and pops it open like it was nothing. You mutter, “I loosened it up,” but let’s be real—what’s impossible for you can be effortless for someone else.
Life can feel a lot like that pickle jar. You try everything you can think of, use every ounce of strength you have, and still the problem doesn’t budge. It’s exhausting, frustrating, and makes you wonder why it’s so hard.
Zechariah 4:6 gives us a powerful reminder: “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty. This was God’s message to Zerubbabel, who faced the overwhelming challenge of rebuilding the temple. It wasn’t going to happen through human effort or determination. The only way forward was through God’s Spirit.
We’re quick to rely on our own strength, aren’t we? We think if we just push harder, try longer, or fight through, we’ll make it happen. But God reminds us that the breakthrough doesn’t come from muscling through—it comes from His Spirit. His power fills in the gaps where we fall short, and His presence steadies us when the weight feels unbearable.
Think about it: the pickle jar wasn’t stuck because you weren’t trying hard enough. It needed the right approach. Life’s challenges are the same. When we lean into God’s Spirit, He works in ways that go beyond human ability. He doesn’t just lighten the load; He walks with us, transforming the struggle into something meaningful.
So, what’s your ‘pickle jar’ today? Whatever feels impossible or overwhelming, you don’t have to handle it alone. Surrender it to God, and let His Spirit bring peace and strength, turning the impossible into an opportunity for His power to shine.
— Paul, LifeSongs
Reflective Question:
What’s one challenge that’s felt impossible for you lately? How can you trust God’s Spirit to give you peace and strength today?
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