“…I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
Dear Ones:
Today is probably the most important day of our lives, not with regard to accomplishments, blessings, or victories, but because of opportunity. The past is behind us, leaving in its wake that which is worthy, and that which is not. What a wonderful reality that we can believe God to cleanse us from all that is not of God, and at the same time, enable us to praise Him, and Him alone, for all that He did in and through us for His glory, and the advancement of His kingdom. Though the future may be affected by the decisions and actions of the present moment, the future is not yet here. That which is so very important to grasp is the power and potential in the immediate present. This is because of God being the “very present Help in time of need, ” the One who will NEVER fail or forsake us, who IS our Keeper, Captain, and Comforter. As two elderly women once told the preacher, Dwight Moody, “…The world has yet to see what God can do through a man who is totally His.” Moody’s response was, “I will be that man.” Such an attitude, God will bless, and did bless. Moody became one of the great preachers in American History. So, what does this mean for us today, and how does it apply to our lives?
It was in the days of Zechariah, when the issue was the rebuilding of the temple, and the restoration of the true worship of God in the nation. God would declare to Zerubbabel concerning this task: “‘Not by might, nor by power, but by MY Spirit, ” saith the Lord.” (4:6) This word was given to Zerubbabel because there was before him a “mountain” of difficulty and opposition to accomplish this task, both physical and spiritual. Zerubbabel needed to see and understand what Hudson Taylor, founder of the China Inland Mission, later discovered: “God’s work done in God’s way, will NEVER lack God’s supply.” For all that God commands, He provides by His Spirit. It is all of grace, and mercy, so that He will receive all the glory. The great issue here is not IF God will work, but whether He can find in the heart of the believer the faith to trust Him to work, and to FULLY accomplish His will and purpose.
Zerubbabel had a choice to make, and maintain, in the present moment(s) of his day. That choice was very simple, though difficult to maintain. It was whether he would take his stand on the word of God, resisting every assault upon his faith by Satan through circumstances and people, to believe God to DO exactly as He declared. Zerubbabel’s corresponding obedience to God would be the proof of his trust and faith. We see this principle so clearly declared by David who learned the same lesson as Zerubbabel: “…Commit your way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and HE SHALL BRING IT TO PASS.” (Psalm 37:5) Here we see the call of God to take a stand, plant one’s feet upon the bedrock of His faithfulness, and the commandment and known will of God. With the commandment comes a wonderful promise: “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it.” (4:9) The Apostle Paul writes concerning this same concept about 600 years later in his letter to the Philippians: “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you WILL PERFORM IT until the day of Jesus Christ.” (1:6) And to the Thessalonians he would write: “Faithful is He who calls you, who also WILL DO IT.” (1 Thess. 5:24)
Dear Father, grant us the grace to see and understand that your call to us is one requiring a total response, where all of our trust is put in Thee according to Your word. Strengthen our hearts to take our stand, planting our feet, upon the bedrock of Your faithfulness, waiting to SEE you work, and glorify Your name. We praise and thank Thee, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad