The Holy Spirit Will Renew You

A dove, an open Bible, and a cross

Nothing Else Can Do What the Spirit Does

There is no power, no person, no agent like the Holy Spirit. He is uniquely able to do in us what no one else can.

If we don’t open ourselves to Him, there’s simply no other source for the life and change we need.

A Word from the Old Testament

Let’s turn to Zechariah 4:6. The Lord says to Zerubbabel, the leader who brought God’s people back from exile: “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord of hosts.

Think about that—God is the Lord of armies, the One with all the power and might you could imagine. But He chooses not to act according to might or power for this work.

Why Not Might or Power?

“Might” can mean natural talents or strength. “Power” can mean things like education, money, or influence.

But God says, “Nope, none of those will do the job I want to do in you.”

Sometimes we wish God would just blast away the bad stuff with amazing power. But God holds back.

Why? Because His priority isn’t to wipe out the wicked right now—it’s to renew His children, you and me, transforming us into His family. That work only the Holy Spirit can do.

The Heart of God’s Work

God is raising up a people for Himself, a family shaped not by power or might but by His Spirit’s renewing work.

Reflect

Why do you want the Holy Spirit to lead you? Is it to see God’s power usefully released through you, or to be changed more and more into the image of Jesus?

A Prayer for Today

Our Father, Lord of hosts, Almighty God—how can I express my wonder and worship? No one is like You. With one word, You change everything. No one can stand against You. Yet in loving kindness, You choose not to use sheer power and might on me, because they won’t bring the change You want. Instead, You send Your Holy Spirit to work in me and transform me. Hallelujah! Amen.

How to Be Led By the Holy Spirit