Zechariah 4:6 He said to me, “This was spoken by the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ declares the Lord Almighty.”
We are accustomed to the worldly logic of "rewarding merit," always believing that success stems from meticulous planning or extraordinary talent. However, Mother Teresa's "pencil analogy" and the declaration in Zechariah offer a gentle shift: we need not feel inferior because of our insignificance, nor arrogant because of our strength. Like yesterday's Bible study and today's skiing, what seems like meticulous planning and skillful technique is actually the Holy Spirit guiding us in small ways and supporting us in the ordinary. When we position ourselves as "the pencil in God's hand," pressure transforms into peace—because the quality of the work does not depend on the material of the pencil, but on the hand that holds it. We only need to maintain spiritual sensitivity and obedience, willingly being used by Him, so that even on the most ordinary days, we can paint eternal miracles under His pen.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing us to truly experience your protection during these two ordinary days, through Bible study fellowship and the peace of skiing. Lord, we often lose our way in our busyness, mistakenly believing that life is sustained by our own strength and abilities. Please forgive our arrogance and heal our anxiety. As Mother Teresa said, I wish to be that tiny pencil in your hand. Holy Spirit, please guide my steps, not only in storms but also in these ordinary days, teaching me not to rely on myself but solely on your Spirit. May my family, work, and ministry submit to your loving and wise hands, so that my life may write chapters of love for you, witnessing your glory. Amen!