Do you seem to be struggling to succeed in your current leadership position? (187-3)

God requires leaders to use all the skill He has given them while depending on Him for the outcome. Read Zechariah 4:1-9.

Zerubbabel was among the first group of exiled Hebrews to return from Babylonian captivity. God’s first assignment and His number one priority was to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem that Babylon had destroyed some 70 years earlier. He had a difficult assignment. When God tasked Solomon to build the original temple he had nearly unlimited resources, a willing workforce and Israel was at peace with their neighbors. Zerubbabel had strong opposition, a small demoralized workforce and very limited resources. With all these elements against him, Zerubbabel had allowed the construction to grind to a halt. At this low moment, through Zechariah, God reminds Zerubbabel and all the people that they would succeed but not because of their own might and power; He would be their source of victory.

Leaders are responsible to manage their resources well. They are asked to lead their team effectively. They must make hard decisions, wrestle with personnel problems, generate the strategy, and listen to grievances. Leaders must strive to do all the tasks of leadership with excellence and God’s word directed to Zerubbabel is still true for leaders today; work hard and smart, but if God does not look favorably on the work it will result in nothing. Secure Christian leaders welcome God’s direction and strength. They seek His intervention. They depend on God for their power and strength in their leadership.

Do you seem to be struggling to succeed in your current leadership position even when you use all the knowledge, understanding, tricks of the trade and wisdom from previous projects? You may have become too dependent on your past experience, learned skills and your own strength. Wise Christian leaders know the truth of verse 6, “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord.”