Zechariah 4:6, 7 (NIV): “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty. ‘What are you O mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground. Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of ‘God bless it! God bless it!’”
Zerubbabel needed constant encouragement. He allowed problems to halt the rebuilding of God’s temple. He encountered resistance and gave in to criticism from a few men that complained about the temple of being smaller in comparison to Solomon’s grand temple. Then some enemies of the Jews tried to use political pressure and bribery to infiltrate the workforce and stop the building. Men reacted out of fear. Their courage turned to despair. That always is the result when fear takes over. So the construction ceased for sixteen years.
Zerubbabel was a leader and descendant of David. These obstacles caused Zerubbabel to become depressed, discouraged, and hardened with hopelessness.
God then sent two prophets, Haggai and Zechariah, to encourage and uplift Zerubbabel and give him godly counsel. They confronted the opposition and comforted their anxieties. With renewed focus the temple was completed in four years. But God had to be recognized again for being in control and then the building was able to be completed. God is always in control. God’s sovereign plan did not allow Israel’s enemies to stop the construction. We sheep get distracted by Satan’s attacks of panic, fear, and doubts, and fall into a woe is me attitude all too often. I raise my hand – I am frequently guilty of just that myself.
Sound familiar at any level in your life? I can understand why Zerubbabel would feel like quitting and was overcome with a period of dismay and depression. The battle is unavoidable in many areas of leadership. Satan delights in getting people discouraged. He wants discord and will do all he can to keep us from experiencing the abundant life God has intended. He plants seeds of doubt as he did back in the garden with Eve. That is when more than ever we need to activate our spiritual armor in prayer and hold onto our hope, for He who promises is faithful. Hebrews 10:23.
The opposition will try to intimidate, accuse unjustly, and demotivate going in the right course of direction God has intended.
Do you need a Haggai and a Zechariah in your life right now? Does your success depend on your individual ability? Ask God to show you how to overcome the obstacles.
Sometimes we need to pause and then pivot. Do we need to make a change? Or do we need to get back on course in what God has purposed us to do, and maybe in a new way?
The right word received at just the right moment is exemplified in Proverbs 25:11 HCSB: “A word spoken at the right time is like gold apples on a silver tray.” Who can you encourage today? Who can I encourage today?
Questions:
What causes you to be discouraged?
Which weapon is Satan tempting you with when in a setback: Guilt, shame, frustration, worry, or feelings of failure?
Are you a leader or a follower in times of conflict? How can you be more of a leader?
Listen to Zach Williams song “Old Church Choir.”