“‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts.”
—Zechariah 4:6

Reflection

The Ruach HaKodesh, the Holy Spirit, lives within us. Before Jesus ascended back to the Father, He promised that we would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon us (Acts 1:8). His power is at work within us, causing our minds to be renewed and our hearts to be changed as we are being formed into the image of Christ.

Some time ago I was trapped in a common deception of blaming others for my mistakes, shortcomings, and frustrations. ‘It’s your fault,’ was my response to many frustrating situations, instead of taking the blame for myself. This kind of blame shifting is a sure sign that God needs to do some work within our hearts, revealing we have a long way to go in growing and maturing in godliness.

At that time I was a very angry person. My wife, Cynthia, and I have two very distinct personality types. She is an easygoing relational type of person, but I tend to be very intense and driven. I always like to be on time for appointments, whereas Cynthia is more laid back about it. This often became a source of frustration for me.

One evening, when we had an important appointment, I went out to wait for my wife in the car. I waited, and waited and waited. Fifteen minutes later, I became so enraged that I almost put the gas pedal to the floor to ram my vehicle right through the garage door. It was then that I realized something was wrong with me. I discovered that my rage was out of control and I had a problem.

I recognized that my behavior was coming from fear, a fear that others would think negatively of me for being late. This wasn’t just Cynthia’s problem. It was mine.

I began to own the problem for the first time in my life. I sought the Lord for a deeper understanding of my problem, and He showed me that I had been blaming my wife for my own anger. I was not controlling my response to her, or to the situation.

The Holy Spirit began to show me so much that needed to be fixed in my life. I thank God that the Ruach HaKodesh lives within me, and He continues to teach me what I need to know.

By the power of the Holy Spirit, we can overcome the enemy’s attacks. Seven times in Revelation chapters 2 and 3, we read of the inheritance promised to those who overcome. God promises us so much when we overcome in Christ.

In Him we are called to overcome the world and all that is in it. At the top of this list is fear.

Never give up. We are engaged in a heavy warfare, beloved. And sometimes we are tempted to give up. Even if we fail, we must get up again, brush ourselves off, and realize that the Holy Spirit will always be there with us to empower us.

His power will be perfected in our weakness, and we will overcome as we keep clinging to and depending on Him. The Lord says that it is not by might nor by power, but by His Spirit.

The Holy Spirit will impart His strength to us.

Application

• Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal where fear, anger, or blaming others may be keeping you from growing and maturing in godliness. Take responsibility for your response and depend on His power to overcome.
• Never give up, even when the warfare is most intense. If you fail, get up again, remembering that the Holy Spirit is always with you to empower you.

Prayer

Yeshua, I thank You that You are walking beside me each step of the way. Because this is true, I do not need to fear anything or anyone. Ruach HaKodesh, show me what needs to be changed within my heart, and give me the power to overcome what I cannot overcome in my own strength. Help me to walk in a way that will please You and to seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness. You are my light and my salvation, and in Your name I pray. Amen.