By the Holy Spirit Alone

“So he answered and 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 NKJV

In a time of rebuilding and discouragement, God gave Zerubbabel—a leader of the returning exiles—a word of power and comfort. The temple’s reconstruction seemed impossible. The people were weary, resources scarce, and opposition fierce. Yet through the prophet Zechariah, God declared that His purposes would not be fulfilled through human strength, intellect, or influence, but through the unshakable power of His Spirit.

When God told Zerubbabel, “Not by might…,” He confronted one of humanity’s oldest temptations—the belief that strength alone can secure success. In Hebrew, the word might (ḥayil) speaks of collective force—armies, resources, wealth, influence, or human alliances. It represents everything we tend to lean on when facing daunting tasks. Yet God made it clear: no amount of human strength could complete the rebuilding of His temple.

We often rely on our own might—our talent, networks, or determination. But when our “might” becomes the measure of what’s possible, we shrink God to the size of our strength. Faith, however, invites us to trust in a greater force—His Spirit, whose power knows no limits.

God does not only dismiss “might” but also “power.” While might speaks of collective strength or resources, power (koach) refers to individual ability—personal energy, skill, endurance, or human effort. It is what we rely on when we think, “If I just try harder, I can make it happen.” We often live as if success depends on how much “power” we can exert—our drive, intellect, or emotional strength. But striving in our own power leads to exhaustion, not breakthrough. God’s message to Zerubbabel—and to us—is that divine work cannot be accomplished by human willpower or determination alone.

God redirects Zerubbabel’s focus from human limitation to divine enablement—“but by My Spirit.” These words reveal the heart of God’s method: His Spirit is the driving force behind every true work of grace, every victory of faith, every act of transformation. Where human might and power end, the Spirit begins.

The Holy Spirit is not merely a helper; He is the very presence and power of God at work among His people. In Zechariah’s day, the Spirit would empower Zerubbabel to complete the temple despite obstacles. In our day, that same Spirit empowers us to build the temple of our lives—the dwelling place of God within us.

“My Spirit” signifies divine ownership and initiative. It is God’s Spirit who breathes life into what is dead, who gives vision where there is none, and who strengthens weary hearts to persevere. The Spirit turns impossibility into testimony, not because of our capacity, but because of His presence.

When we yield to the Spirit, we stop striving and start abiding. His power flows where surrender is found. He doesn’t merely assist human effort—He replaces it with divine sufficiency. What begins in the Spirit must continue in the Spirit, or it loses life.

Application:

This verse calls you to evaluate where you’ve been depending on your own strength. Every calling, challenge, and breakthrough begins with the Spirit’s power—not your ability. Invite Him into your plans, your decisions, and your struggles. Start each day asking, “Holy Spirit, do this through me.” When you release control, you make room for divine power to flow freely.

Reflection Question:

What situation in your life right now requires you to stop striving and start trusting the Spirit’s power?

Prayer:

Holy Spirit, I yield to You today. Forgive me for trusting in my own strength. Fill me afresh and empower me to do what only You can do. Lead me, strengthen me, and let Your presence accomplish what human effort never could. Amen.

Declaration:

It is not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit that I live, move, and overcome. The Spirit of God empowers every purpose and perfects every promise in my life.