Not By Might Nor By Power

Awakened to See – A Study on Zechariah 4

Scripture: Zechariah 4

Program Overview

This program focuses on the theme “Not By Might Nor By Power,” drawing inspiration from Zechariah 4. We will explore the idea that healthy living—spiritually, physically, and emotionally—is not accomplished by our own strength or might, but by relying on God’s power and guidance. Just as Zechariah received a vision that emphasized God’s Spirit over human effort, we are reminded that living well requires surrendering our efforts to God and trusting in His provision for every aspect of our lives.

Opening Worship

Begin with worship songs that focus on trusting God’s power, surrendering to His will, and living with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

Suggested songs (Available on YouTube)

“Holy Spirit, You Are Welcome Here” by Francesca Battistelli

“You Are My Strength” by Hillsong Worship

“Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” by Hillsong United

Bible Study and Group Discussion

Read Zechariah 4.

Teaching Points

Verse 1-3: Zechariah is awakened to see a vision. Ask the group, what is God calling us to see and be awakened to regarding our health?

Verse 4-6: God’s work is done by His Spirit, not by our effort alone. Discuss how relying on God’s Spirit in every area of our lives can bring lasting transformation.

Verse 7: “What are you, mighty mountain?”—God’s Spirit overcomes every obstacle. In the context of health, this could be physical challenges, emotional burdens, or unhealthy habits that seem impossible to change.

Verse 9-10: Zerubbabel will finish what God has started. God equips us to finish well in our journey toward healthy living. Discuss how relying on God empowers us to maintain long-term health in body, mind, and spirit.

Verse 11-14: The two olive trees represent the continual supply of God’s Spirit. Discuss how God’s Spirit gives us consistent power and strength to live healthfully and fulfill His calling in our lives.

Suggested Activity: Healthy Living through God’s Spirit

Group Activity: Create small groups where each group discusses one of the following aspects of healthy living: spiritual health, physical health, and emotional health. Ask each group to write down practical ways to incorporate God’s Spirit into that aspect of their lives and then share their ideas with the larger group.

Suggested Activity: Action Plan: Surrendering to God’s Spirit

As a group, create an action plan for healthy living, based on the principles in Zechariah 4. Write down one thing you will do this month to surrender your health to God’s Spirit. This could include:

• A commitment to a daily time of prayer for spiritual health.
• A goal to prioritize physical activity, rest, or healthy eating, relying on God’s strength.
• An intention to seek emotional healing through prayer, support, or counseling, trusting God’s Spirit to bring peace and joy.
• Encourage women to share their commitments with a partner for accountability.

Suggested Activity/Refreshments:

Provide ingredients to create a healthy snack and enjoy it during refreshment time, or simply provide healthy snacks for refreshments and draw attention to the healthy options available.

Ideas for healthy snacks- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g38003463/healthy-

God’s Spirit Alone

In Zechariah 4, we are given a vision of a lampstand, two olive trees, and a prophetic message for Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, who was overseeing the rebuilding of the temple. The message was clear: the temple would not be rebuilt by human might, nor by the powerful rulers of the time, but by God’s Spirit alone.

In our lives, we often feel overwhelmed by the tasks before us. Whether in our families, workplaces, ministries, or personal growth, we can feel the challenges are too great. But God is calling us to see beyond what we can do alone. The angel’s question to Zechariah, “What do you see?” is an invitation to see through the lens of God’s power and purpose.

Zechariah’s vision of the two olive trees pouring oil into the lampstand symbolizes the constant and abundant provision of the Holy Spirit, the One who enables and empowers us. We accomplish the work before us not by our might or power but by the Spirit of God. This is a call to trust in God’s provision, to lean on His strength, and to rely on His guidance.

As women of faith, we are often called to take on tasks that may feel too daunting, too big, or too far-reaching. But God’s message to Zerubbabel is His message to us today: “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit.” We are reminded that God’s presence, His Spirit, makes the impossible possible.

The phrase “What are you, mighty mountain?” speaks to the obstacles we face. In the same way that God leveled the mountains before Zerubbabel, He will remove the obstacles in our own lives when we trust in Him. Every mountain of discouragement, every giant of fear, every valley of doubt can be overcome through His Spirit.