Faithful In The Now
Tuesday, April 16
Zechariah 4:6-10 (NKJV)
“So he answered and 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. ‘Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain! And he shall bring forth the capstone With shouts of “Grace, grace to it!” ’ ” Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying: “The hands of Zerubbabel Have laid the foundation of this temple; His hands shall also finish it. Then you will know That the LORD of hosts has sent Me to you. For who has despised the day of small things? For these seven rejoice to see The plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. They are the eyes of the LORD, Which scan to and fro throughout the whole earth.”
Devotion
Builders are unique individuals, for they envision the end product way before a single piece of dirt is moved. As a result, it is also much easier for them to get frustrated when obstacles appear and progress is stalled, as was in Zerubbabel’s case.
As nothing and no one goes unseen before the eyes of the Lord, God sent Zerubbabel a word to encourage him in the midst of his frustration. It was God who gave him the assignment, and it was also God’s responsibility to finish it – meaning, by His Spirit and by His grace. In our own lives, when we have been given an assignment, vision or divinely inspired idea from the Lord, understand that it is an invitation to partner with Him in the work. He is the Master Builder, the God who formed the earth and the universe, whose plans are never mediocre. His trademark is ‘the impossible’. He will do all the heavy lifting, but He longs for a people who would dare to walk with Him and believe in Him, as His friends, Abraham and Moses did.
In this same word of the Lord to Zerubbabel, he was also encouraged not to despise the day of small beginnings – meaning, be faithful with the little things, the things that were already placed in his hand. One may never know that being faithful to the miniscule activities of this day, could shape the insight, the character and perspective needed to make a difference for many others in future days. To skip this step, is to be robbed of the preparation and readiness needed when opportunity appears at one’s door.
Wisdom given to us from Ecclesiastes 8:5,6 “…and a wise man’s heart discerns both time and judgment, because for every matter (purpose) there is time and judgment.” God knows what He placed in us and sees the specific appointment and timing for our purpose. Pray for discernment. Trust Him in the big picture of things. Wait for His timing. Savor the quiet times. Be faithful in what He has already given you. You’ll be so glad you did.
Today’s Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank You that Your eyes scan to and fro through all the earth. Thank You that nothing is hidden from Your sight. You saw the care of David for Your pregnant sheep, and You even see the hidden plots against Your children. You know our lying down and our going out. You hold even the lives of our enemies in Your hands. I confess that I often forget this and try to solve things through the efforts of my flesh. Lord God, clarify for me the tasks You have given and the mountains You will move so I can accomplish Your purposes in me. Help me not waste time or effort on dreams and tasks of my own making but to focus on Your words, Your will, and Your purposes in my life. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
Use your mouth today to speak grace, that is, invite the action of the Holy Spirit into your everyday interactions and tasks. Holy Spirit, bring grace to my attitude toward those I meet. Holy Spirit, bring grace to the unholy conflicts. Holy Spirit, bring grace to the challenges I face at home and work today. Holy Spirit, help me to say, “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions (Titus 2:11-12) and to live a life pleasing to Jesus.
Resources:
- Even when you don’t feel it’s enough, determine to use what you have in service to the Lord now, as you watch, “Start Where You Are.”
- Find your best fit for serving at your local Free Chapel or online by checking out our Serve Teams today.