By His Power

Psalm 127:1a, ESV

Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.

Zechariah 4:6, ESV

Then 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 of hosts.

‭‭2 Thessalonians‬ ‭1‬:‭11,‬ ‭ESV‬‬

To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power,

We must work hard, yes, but ultimately we must surrender the work to God. 

God will accomplish it.

When we have a resolve for good—and when we set out in a work of faith—we must remember that it is not fulfilled by us. It is not brought to completion or accomplished through our resolve or our strength or our planning.

It is fulfilled by the hand of God. By His power. By His Spirit. 

My son and I often use the analogy of digging a hole. We are to pick up the shovel, yes, but unless God’s hand rests on that shovel with ours, we labor in vain. We can dig and dig and dig and get nowhere when we dig by ourselves. But, when the hand of God is with us, that hole can be dug in a moment.

So if you’re working on something and it seems like you’re having to strain and labor and toil—and you’re getting nowhere—place the shovel in the mighty hand of God.

He will do it. 

Oh Lord, thank you for your promises once again. Thank you that we can experience your Spirit and power and strength in the endeavors you call us to on earth. Please teach us to work hand-in-hand with you and place the results of that work in your mighty hands. Amen.