Faith for Orphans
“So 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 Almighty.”
Today’s Text: Zechariah 4:1-14 (Living Life Daily Devotional)
Today we read about the fifth vision presented to the prophet Zechariah. The angel wakes the prophet and shows him a golden lamp stand with a bowl on top and seven lamps, flanked by two olive trees. When asked about the meaning, the angel responds that this vision is for Zerubbabel, assuring him that the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem will not be accomplished by human strength but by God. “‘Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit’, says the Lord Almighty.” Zerubbabel was the Jewish leader after the Jews had returned from their exile in Babylon. As governor of Judah, he would be the one to manage the rebuilding of the temple. The great mountain of opposition will become the level ground where Zerubbabel will complete the temple. The two olive trees represent the anointed ones that stand before God through whom God supplies His Spirit to His people.
I love to study the life and read about George Müller. He is perhaps one of the greatest prayer warriors that I have heard about. His life of prayer is a model that I wish to emulate in my personal walk with God. In the 1800s, Müller had a deep burden to care for the orphans in England. He didn’t have much money, powerful connections, or even government support. Yet Müller believed that if this is certainly what God called him to do it, God would also provide.
Müller began the orphanage with a small house and a few children. He was constantly in prayer for God’s help and support. Over time, without ever once asking anyone directly for funds or donations, support began to pour in. First the money came then the food would arrive. In some cases, food would arrive just moments before mealtime and every time there was a need, it was met. Müller would constantly pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to touch the heart of people to give or donate.
By the end of Müller’s life, he had cared for over 10,000 orphans. Müller built several orphanages established more than 100 schools which offered Christian education to thousands of orphans throughout the nation. Müller once said this, “Faith does not operate in the realm of the possible. There is no glory for God in that which is humanely possible. Faith begins where man’s power ends.”
Müller had no great wealth or influence but he trusted God completely to provide for thousands of orphans and for what He has called Müller to do. Again and again, God supplied food and funds at the perfect moment, showing that His sovereign grace is more than enough.
The vision given to Zechariah reminds us of the same truth: God’s work is accomplished through His Spirit, not by human strength, talent, or resources. God supplies His people with everything they need to rebuild what is broken and fulfill His purposes.
The gospel helps us face what seems impossible…
the trials we are enduring physically, emotionally, or spiritually
the sins and addictions we are trying to overcome
the family struggles that weigh on our hearts
the anxiety we have about what is to come
the unforgiveness or bitterness that seems too hard to let go of
and so much more…
All these may feel like mountains, but with God nothing is impossible. When we face challenges, we can depend on His omnipotent power. His strength never runs out, and we do not have to rely on our limited abilities. God calls us to trust Him completely and let His Spirit work through us.
Almighty God, we come before Your throne in awe of Your omnipotence and sovereign grace. We are grateful that Your work is not done by our own limited strength but by Your Spirit which attains power that is unlimited. Help us to trust You completely, even when we have little to offer. Fill us with Your Spirit so that we may shine Your light in the darkness. When obstacles seem impossible to overcome, remind us that You can move the mountains into the level ground. Use us as your vessels for Your purpose and Your will to be done. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
