As we seek to do the Lord’s work and will, it is not by our power that we seek to lead, but by the Spirit of the Lord. We cannot lead the people of God in our congregations simply by intellect or worldly knowledge: we must be led by the Spirit of God. Even as we see members of our community attacked by random acts of violence, no amount of police power alone can stop the forces of evil. Police have their place, but that alone will not provide the security we need. The Spirit of God must always reign and rule so that we will have peace. It is my prayer today that in every situation – whether government, religious community or our homes – we are led by the Spirit of God and not by our own might. In Zechariah 4:6, we find these words:

“Then he said to me, “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.”’

The Lord is speaking through an angel to Zechariah. Zechariah prophesied to the people that God had a master plan. His responsibility was to tell the people that they needed  to rely and depend on God as the Supreme Power. Our faith and trust must always be in God! We cannot live in fear; but we must remember that God has Divine power that far surpasses our own. When we rest in His Spirit, we are able to draw upon His power.