Reflection: The Spirit's Perfect Choice of the Unlikely
Zechariah 4:6 declares a principle that redefines success and qualification: "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty — you will succeed because of my Spirit, though you are few and weak." This verse not only promises success through the Spirit but also reveals something profound about God's choice of instruments. He deliberately chooses the "few and weak" to demonstrate that the power is His, not theirs. Excerpt 7 addresses the questions that naturally arise in any divine assignment: "Why China?" and "Why me?" The answers are rooted in the Spirit's sovereignty and the truth that God never makes mistakes.
1. Why China? The Hungry Hearts
The first question—"Why China?"—is answered simply: because the people of China are so hungry for God. They want a tangible touch of His presence and a heavy anointing. This hunger is not manufactured; it is the Spirit's work, creating a deep thirst for more of God. The team did not go to China because of strategic planning or demographic analysis; they went because the Spirit had prepared hearts. The hunger of the Chinese believers was the open door for the Spirit to move. When people are hungry, God responds. The "few and weak" servants were simply vessels through whom the Spirit could satisfy that hunger.
2. The Cost of Obedience: Going on Their Own Expense
The team went to China on their own expense, with some help from concerned brothers and sisters in Christ. This is a significant detail. They were not funded by a large organization or backed by a wealthy ministry. They went in faith, trusting that God would take care of them. And He did. He never failed them. The hospitality and love shown by the local pastors were evidence of God's provision.
This reflects the heart of Zechariah 4:6. The work was not accomplished by financial might or organizational power; it was accomplished by the Spirit. The team's willingness to go on their own expense was an act of faith, demonstrating that they were not driven by financial gain but by obedience to God's call. The Spirit honors such faith and provides for those who trust in Him.
3. Complete Surrender: Subjecting Themselves to the Local Pastors
Each trip, the team had no idea where they would minister. They subjected themselves to the local pastor, who would arrange the ministry time in any local house church. This is a remarkable posture of humility and trust. The team did not arrive with a pre-planned itinerary or a fixed agenda. They came as servants, ready to be led by the Spirit through the local leaders.
This is the essence of Spirit-led ministry: not control, but surrender. The team did not try to assert their own plans or preferences. They trusted that the Spirit had gone before them and would guide them through the local pastors. Their only agenda was to "go in His time." This flexibility allowed the Spirit to move freely, unhindered by human schedules or expectations.
4. Knowing the Assignment: Ambassadors of a Royal Edict
The team knew what God's assignment was even before they left for China. They understood their spiritual position in Christ and saw themselves as ambassadors delivering His royal edict for that season. This sense of identity and purpose was crucial. They were not tourists or casual visitors; they were representatives of the King, carrying a message from His throne.
This understanding gave them confidence and clarity. They did not go to China to promote themselves or build their own ministry; they went to deliver what God had given them. The results—the mighty move of the Holy Spirit—were the fruit of allowing the Spirit to have His own way in the assembly of His people.
5. Why Me? The Question of Inadequacy
The most personal and profound question is: "Why me?" The writer acknowledges his inadequacy—he cannot speak Mandarin but only English. There are others more eager to go to China. Why would God give this assignment to him?
This question resonates with every believer who has ever felt unqualified for God's call. The writer's honesty is refreshing. He recognizes his limitations and the seeming irrationality of God's choice. But then he arrives at a transformative truth: "When the Lord calls you, He never makes any mistakes. He knows you and you alone can only fulfill His assignment."
6. God Never Makes Mistakes: The Spirit's Perfect Choice
The title of this excerpt—"God Never Makes Any Mistakes"—is the key to understanding the entire narrative. God's choice of the writer was not an error or an oversight. It was deliberate, sovereign, and perfect. The writer's inadequacies—his inability to speak Mandarin, his lack of eagerness—were not obstacles to God; they were the very conditions in which the Spirit could demonstrate His power.
Zechariah 4:6 is fulfilled in this truth. The writer was "few and weak" in every natural sense. He could not rely on his own might (his language skills or persuasive ability) or his own power (his resources or connections). He had to rely entirely on the Spirit. And the Spirit did not fail. The prophetic words, the divine appointments, the healings, the deliverances, the transformations—all of it was the Spirit's work through a willing, obedient, and humble servant.
7. Count It a Privilege: A Call to Embrace Inadequacy
The concluding exhortation is powerful: "Don't look at your inadequacy. Count it a privilege for God to call you for such an assignment." This is not a denial of weakness; it is a redirection of focus. Instead of staring at our limitations, we are to look at the privilege of being chosen by God. The call is not about us; it is about Him. Our inadequacy is not a reason to refuse; it is a reason to trust.
The writer's journey to Wuhan was a living testimony of this truth. He went in weakness and saw God's strength. He went in humility and saw God's glory. He went without knowing the details and saw God's perfect timing. He went with questions and saw God's perfect answers. The Spirit worked through him not because he was qualified, but because he was willing.
Conclusion:
Zechariah 4:6 is a promise for the inadequate, the reluctant, and the weak. It assures us that success in God's work does not depend on our abilities but on His Spirit. Excerpt 7 addresses the two great questions of any divine assignment: "Why China?" and "Why me?" The answer to both is the same: because the Spirit is at work. The hungry hearts in China were prepared by the Spirit. The writer's call was given by the Spirit. The provision, the guidance, the assignments, and the results were all the Spirit's doing. God never makes mistakes. He chooses the weak to shame the strong, the foolish to shame the wise. The writer's inadequacy was not a problem for God; it was the platform for His power. To be called by God is not a burden to bear but a privilege to embrace. To Him alone be all the glory. Glory to Yeshua.
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