By My Spirit

By Lori Ciccanti

Zechariah 4:6 – 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!”

Recently, my family celebrated the graduation of my youngest son. Challenged with a severe disability, it was indeed a proud moment when he walked on stage to receive his diploma and shake hands with school administrators and staff. Having overcome many obstacles throughout the years, I believe this would not have been possible had it not been for God’s intervention.

Zechariah 4:6 refers to Zerubbabel who is mentioned in the book of Ezra and led the people of Israel back to their homeland. Zerubbabel’s great task was rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. However, he encountered tremendous opposition from the enemy and an attitude of disappointment and defeat from his own people. In this event, The Lord’s message is clearly one of encouragement and victory.

As I contemplate the amazing progress my son has made, I am confident the Holy Spirit’s power has been working in lives. Circumstances which seemed like major setbacks in his education proved to be a key turning point for placement in one of the finest schools in our state of Delaware. Though we had faced numerous failures over the course of many years, still the Holy Spirit’s guidance gave my family the strength to persevere. Through seeking the Lord’s wisdom, I continue to learn new ways to discipline, teach and provide the best care for my son’s future.

Eventually, the temple in Zechariah’s day was successfully completed. And we who are Christ’s temple in the world are promised: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Therefore let us not be discouraged when facing obstacles but press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us (Philippians 3:14).

Lori Ciccanti writes from Ocean View, Delaware  DLAlsina@mchsi.com