“So, Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak rose up and began to build the house of God which is in Jerusalem; and the prophets of God were with them, helping them” (Ezra 5:2).
When eighteenth-century German missionaries Johann Leonhard Dober and David Nitschmann decided to take the gospel to slaves living on the island of St. Thomas in the Caribbean, Count Zinzendorf, a bishop of the Moravian Church, greatly encouraged them. However, other godly friends did everything they could to discourage the two young men. Their goal was considered too risky, impossible, and even suicidal. Even the ex-slave who had started them on this quest tried to deter them. Shipmasters felt the same way and declined their passage.
But neither lack of transportation nor the reproofs of friends could dampen their enthusiasm. Johann and David knew God wanted them to go, so they stuck to their plan. Eventually it paid off; their friends
grew more supportive and they finally located a ship. Despite extreme hardships, their mission proved to be a great blessing to themselves and countless others.
The Israelite leader Zerubbabel had this same spirit of resolve and determination. Shortly after Cyrus invaded Babylon, he appointed Zerubbabel to lead the first group of Jews out of captivity and back to Jerusalem. A couple of years later, with financial help from Cyrus, Zerubbabel and his people began to rebuild the demolished temple.
As he tackled this project, Zerubbabel faced a seemingly insurmountable mountain of difficulties. Their beloved city was in ruins. The Israelites had little defence, and enemies in the region harassed them and interrupted the work. To encourage Zerubbabel, God gave this message: “ ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts. ‘Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain!’ ” (Zechariah 4:6, 7).
Is there a mountain of difficulty in your life that tempts you to give up? Don’t be afraid to struggle against obstacles. Hold on to your resolve, and God will make a way for you. Stand firm as Zerubbabel did, and even mountains won’t be able to hold you back!
Dear Lord, thank You for the encouraging promises You’ve given me in Your Word!
