Weekly Devotional
WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL:Not By Might, But By His Spirit As You Stand For Marriage Restoration
“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.’” - Zechariah 4:6 (ESV) Today, let’s talk about that word given to good ol’ Zerubbabel! You know, that guy mentioned in Zechariah 4:6, “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.’” Many standers have probably heard this phrase before, “Not by might, but by His Spirit…” but they might not know much about the guys it was actually given to and how this can dramatically encourage those standing for restoration. Zerubbabel is a prominent figure mentioned in the book of Zechariah. He was a governor appointed by the Persian king, Cyrus the Great, when he allowed the Jewish people to return to their homeland and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. Zerubbabel played a crucial role in the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the reinstatement of the Second Temple. He was a descendant of King David and a key figure in God’s plans to restore Israel. The book of Zechariah contains prophecies and visions that include references to Zerubbabel and his significant role in God’s divine restoration plan. So, one can say Zerubbabel was a “stander” for restoration! This biblical context offers profound encouragement for those seeking marital restoration. It prompts an important question: how much are you relying on your own strength or your spouse’s capabilities for the restoring of your marriage? The scripture invites us to shift our reliance from human strength to divine intervention. It’s not by our might or power but by the Spirit of God that true change and restoration happens. I want you to receive this word of the Lord: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.” Just like God spoke to Zerubbabel during his restoration project, He is also telling you the secret for restoration! It is by God’s Spirit! I know you probably understand this to a degree but if you were honest, how much are you putting your restoration hopes in your might? Your ability? Your Power? What about how you view your spouse in this area? Are you placing your hopes in your spouse’s current ability to come home or your spouse’s desire and power to make changes? Or are you recognizing that it’s not dependent on your or your spouse’s power to change the marriage but by the Spirit and power of God? In your journey of standing for your marriage restoration, it’s easy to become fixated on all the current challenges or to place your hope in your spouse’s actions. It is common to look at the current circumstances, the behavior and attitudes of your spouse or even your own self-effort and get discouraged. However, this passage invites you to shift your gaze from the seen to the unseen, from the physical to the spiritual, from human limitations to His divine possibilities. The Spirit of God operates beyond human limitations, working in hearts and minds to renew and transform. God’s Spirit has the power to change hearts, transform minds and renew relationships in a way that human efforts cannot. It’s in surrendering to the Spirit, just as Zerubbabel did that true restoration comes. This doesn’t mean inactivity or passivity on your part but rather an active trust in God’s ability to work in your marriage. It means praying fervently, believing confidently and living righteously all the while trusting that the ultimate change and restoration will come through the Holy Spirit’s work in both you and your spouse’s hearts. Remember that just as the temple in Jerusalem was a physical symbol of God’s presence and a place of worship, your marriage too, is a sacred covenant, a testament to God’s love and faithfulness. Restoring it is not just about rebuilding a relationship but about creating a space where God’s presence dwells, where His love reigns supreme and where His Spirit guides and sustains you both. So, as you stand for your marriage, take heart in the story of Zerubbabel. Be encouraged that the same Spirit that enabled him to rebuild the temple is at work in your life, actively restoring and renewing your marriage. Hold on to this truth, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts,” and let it be a foundation of your hope and the source of your strength as you stand supernaturally for your marriage.
