Do you long for God to move in your situation? When the Holy Spirit is at work, He makes unusual breakthroughs possible. For example:
- Do you require financial provision to sustain God’s work? The Holy Spirit stirs someone to give—right on time
- Maybe you need a new job. The Holy Spirit brings you to the attention of an employer and you sense God has given you favor
- You help bring an unbeliever—someone from another faith, or someone you would least expect—to faith in Jesus
- Someone who has stood against you withdraws their opposition
- A person or group offers to help you when you most need it
We Know the Verse, but What is the Story Behind It?
For years, we have quoted it, sung it, and celebrated it: “Not by might, nor by power but by My Spirit” says the Lord Almighty.’ (Zech 4:6)
We have understood the essential meaning of this verse; that we are not going to fulfill God’s purposes in our own strength—that we need the empowering of the Holy Spirit.
However, today I believe God is highlighting this passage in its Biblical context, in order to give us a greater insight into the way that the Holy Spirit moves for the accomplishment of God’s plans.
How the Holy Spirit Moves so that God’s Work is Done
To understand what Zechariah is referring to, we need to go back to the book of Ezra, when it is on God’s timetable to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. The Babylonians had destroyed it when they invaded Jerusalem.
Notice the specific language the Bible uses, to describe how the Holy Spirit moves as God’s plan to rebuild the temple is set in motion:
- ‘…in order to fulfill the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah, the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia (Ezra 1:1)
- Then… everyone whose heart God had moved—prepared to go up and build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem (Ezra 1:5)
After this enthusiastic start, the people laid the foundations of the new temple. However, the enemy moves in, which frustrates and delays the project. 17 years go by. And then, God speaks through His prophets—Haggai and Zechariah.
“It’s time to begin building again!”
The Divine Imprint on the Human Heart
Haggai tells us, “So the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and worked on the house of the LORD of hosts, their God.” (Haggai 1:14)
Why do people respond with hard work and enthusiasm?
- It is not only because they hear the prophecy and think, “We should obey God”
- Neither is it just because they are following their leaders’ instructions—although the Holy Spirit is using both of these things.
The people step up to complete the work because the Holy Spirit is stirring their hearts.
And there is more.
Mountains of Opposition are Removed
After years of political opposition, the leaders of Judah receive an edict from the now-King of Assyria. Amazingly, God has moved upon the heart of pagan King Darius to order the completion of the temple and to give generously.
- The mountain of opposition referred to by the Prophet Zechariah is removed, by one sweep of the hand of God! The work continues to progress until the people complete it. (Zech 4:7)
At the conclusion of the project, Ezra notes, ‘They celebrated with joy… because the LORD had filled them with joy by changing the attitude of the king of Assyria so that he assisted them in the work on the house of God, the God of Israel.’(Ezra 6:22)
Partner with the Spirit Through Prayer
When God says, “It’s not by might, it’s not by power, it’s by My Spirit”, it highlights how the Spirit does His work.
The Spirit is at work moving the hearts—and intentions—of people.
God impacts people’s hearts for favor, for open doors, for Divine positioning, for salvation, for the release of labor and resources.
The Holy Spirit moves by stirring the hearts of people—beginning with our own.
Are you available for the Holy Spirit to stir you today? I believe God wants to bring you a fresh word that will open you to the move of the Holy Spirit.
- It’s time for your faith to rise!
- Now is the moment to lift your expectations!
- It’s time to turn again to prayer!
It is through prayer that we partner with the Holy Spirit as He works on the unseen—the hearts, attitudes, and motivations of people.
That brick wall, or that closed door, or that mountain of impossibility. Nothing can withstand the move of the Holy Spirit. And I believe this is God’s word to you today; that you are going to be amazed as you see people moved upon by the Spirit.
Right now, God is at work in the hearts of unbelievers to draw them to Jesus.
The Spirit is at work, influencing secular leaders in positions of authority so that the Father’s work and will are accomplished.
Projects initiated by God will be completed as the Holy Spirit moves on hearts to respond and give.
What is difficult for you, indeed, what is impossible for you, is easy to our God. For it is not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit that His purpose for your life and ministry will be accomplished.
Notes:
I have recently been writing a series of prophetic studies from the story of Ezra, Zerubbabel, and the rebuilding of the temple. The other studies are:
Your Fresh Start: God’s Part and Yours
God’s Upgrade for Your Life and Ministry Begins Here
Why does God Allow Frustration and Delays?
Study Online: Classes for Those Growing in Prophecy:
I’ve been privileged to receive extraordinary prophetic mentoring, as one of a ministry team of prophets and teachers with David McCracken Ministries.
But it hasn’t always been that way. When it comes to spiritual gifts, I know what it is like to go on a long journey, and often a lonely one.
My own experience of struggling to find good mentoring is why I am extremely passionate about helping others learn how to hear God’s voice, and grow in their gifts of prophecy and discernment.
The best mentoring and teaching I can give you is now rolled into this one place, on the Enliven School of Prophecy and Discernment.
You can view and sign up for my self-paced video lecture series in the Enliven Prophetic School here. Choose between a small monthly subscription or a one-off payment with no expiry date.
Does this article speak to you? Do you have a testimony to share, or a prayer request? Leave a comment in the comments box below.
© 2014 Helen Calder Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching
Enliven Ministries: in the David McCracken Ministries family
Helen Calder is a prophetic minister and writer, and founder of Enliven Ministries. Helen has a unique gift of equipping in prophetic ministry and prayer. She is known for Enliven Blog (est. 2009), an online resource that reaches thousands of people globally.
Sin duda, es lamentable que esto suceda,en una familia cristiana,mas aun si esta ministrando la Palabra a un grupo.no me escandaliza,pues lo veo como un fenomeno natural en la lucha contra el mal. Jesus tuvo un Judas,Job,tuvo una mujer que no debia ser su esposa,Saul jamas debio de haber sido rey de Isrrael,pero alli estaba.
Que hacer,buscaria ayuda de pastores de confianza,que entienan la problematica y orar,el tiempo necesario,y si es posible ayunar,si no hay respuesta,buscar la LIBERACION DE DICHA HERMANA…en ocasiones visito iglesias hermanas,cuando hay actividades:seminarios sobre apostoles y profetas,sanidad y milagros,liberacion,etc.vienen siervos de Dios de diferentes lugares del mundo,se dice que despues de las conferencias algunos de ellos estaran ministrando :LIBERACION,en ocasiones llegan hermanos posesos,y que cree,NO PUEDEN ECHAR FUERA LOS DEMONIOS…sera que ministran bajo la autoridad de la Palabra,Juan 1:11,12…PERO,sin poder,Hechos 1:8..
Creo que el pastor debe hacer eso:ORAR,Y AYUNAR…si no hay respuesta,BUSCAR LA LIBERACION.
Thanks Jose, great thoughts, and advice to pray and fast…
Praise God! Helen, thank you for being so obedient to our Father in Heaven. I know that I know, that this was for me, that God placed this as a divine appointment to read. Everything said.. All me.. The prophetic insight, then nothing, the frustration, the ill feelings and thoughts towards myself.. Though especially.. “It’s time for your faith to rise!
It’s time to lift your expectations!
It’s time to turn again to prayer!”…
I have had a relationship with and known God since I was 4 years old. Yes, I’ve wandered off the path a few times in my life, but He always Lovingly steered me and guided me back to the right path again, as if nothing ever happened, and at 1 point in my life, just 5 years ago maybe, I was so happy.. At peace, close to God.. Really close.. It was amazing and beautiful. Nothing could stir or shake me, nothing.. It was, and will always be the best feeling in the world.. There’s no other that even comes close to comparison. But for the past 3 years, I’ve had so much happen.. Alot of adversity, trials.. One thing after the other. Family members passing, my mom being one of just last year, and very unexpectedly.. Financial, emotional, you name it. Even a failed attempt of the enemy trying to take my life.. Literally, trying to kill me in an automobile accident that by no earthly means should I actually be here today to read and comment.. However God said differently.. He had bigger plans for me,which I still am unsure of what exactly they are.. I was still very close in my walk with Him after returning home from the hospital, for I knew that ONLY by God and God alone, was I alive, with the extent of my injuries. The surgeon who operated on my ribs firstly prepared my family for my not making it.. When I did however, later I was told that I was his top 3 worst case of rib injuries he had ever seen, or operated on. I couldn’t understand why, what he meant. He told me that the reason being was because people that had rib injuries as bad as mine didn’t live long enough to have the operation. So I know God is with me. But I slowly started drifting further away, not in spirituality, but my relationship so intimate with God. And I honestly don’t know why. I cry out to him constantly. I miss Him.. The relationship we had. I want that back so badly! When I read this, I honestly felt as though I was being spoken to directly. I can’t explain the feeling I got, but I believe He was speaking directly to me.. Through you.. And I’m so very Thankful for that. I’m Thankful to God for you as well. He truly gets all the Glory. I just pray that my relationship with Him gets back to where it was when I had no doubts, fears, anxieties, questions… But just the KNOWING.. That all is fine and He has me covered, that He has everything under control already!
Thank You God for giving us The Lamb.. Thank You Jesus for for being that Lamb, and so selflessly dying for us shedding your unstained blood so that we may have everlasting life and in abundance. .. It is in Your Mighty Name we pray, Amen and Amen.
God Bless you and keep you always
Hi Andrea, wow you have been through so much! And our Father is faithful to bring His encouragement at the time you need it. I pray that you will continue to be lifted up in the Spirit, a new level to stand on, and rejoice in.
Psalm 40 comes to mind…
‘I waited patiently for the Lord;
And He inclined to me,
And heard my cry.
He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,
Out of the miry clay,
And set my feet upon a rock,
And established my steps.
He has put a new song in my mouth—
Praise to our God;
Many will see it and fear,
And will trust in the Lord.’
Amen :-) !
Praise the Lord Jesus Christ, am grateful for the time and help of the Holy Spirit that make it possible for you Helen Calder, to deliver this wonderful and life filled messages.
Thank you.
Am in a moment at life that i really need the help of the Holy Spirit to move obstacle in my life all round. Please keep me in prayer.
Peter Chege
I am here to study on the power of the Holy Spirit, to move within me, and clear away obstacles because the Lord has plans to bring favor, and battles have been fought on my person.
Show me your ways lord !!