This week, we look at the story of Zerubbabel from the book of Zechariah, focusing on the challenges he faced in rebuilding the temple after his exile into Babylon. Zerubbabel encountered the “vision life cycle,” where individuals receive a vision from God, go through the initial excitement, face the challenges of hard work, and often encounter a period of stagnation or despair. If a vision is from God, it is often too big for individuals to accomplish on their own and requires reliance on God’s strength. We need to remember where our vision comes from, trust that God is in control, and hold onto the vision even when it seems challenging.
Then [the angel] said to [Zechariah], “This is what the Lord says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Nothing, not even a mighty mountain, will stand in Zerubbabel’s way; it will become a level plain before him! And when Zerubbabel sets the final stone of the Temple in place, the people will shout: ‘May God bless it! May God bless it!'” Zechariah 4:6-7
That is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return. 2 Timothy 1:12
Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. 2 Corinthians 12:8-10
I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:12-13
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