1910 The Qualifying Factor

What could you do when you’re empowered, driven and directed by the Holy Spirit? Answer: Absolutely anything God desired. No matter the odds, no matter the circumstances, no matter your limitations. WITH GOD, nothing would be impossible. This is the power you seek. This is the direction you seek. The Holy Spirit living, working and flowing through you is your answer.
That’s how you get through this. That’s how you get your breakthrough. That’s how you go to the next level. That’s how you experience victory. It is the gift of God’s Spirit within you making the impossible possible.
Yesterday, we read about a man named Othniel who was the first of 12 judges God would raise up as leaders in battle for his people to set them free from their bondage and lead them back into a right relationship with God. Othniel is not listed as a strong and mighty man. He’s not listed to have extreme wisdom or top notch military training. His one qualifying factor is named using only 8 words. 8 words is what sets Othniel apart to lead the Israelites to victory. Judges 3:10, “The Spirit of the Lord came upon him.”
God’s spirit gave him power. God’s spirit guided his steps. God’s spirit strengthened him. God’s spirit made him a great leader when it appears he was never a leader before. It was his only qualifying factor. He had a job to do and God’s spirit was the way he would do it.
What is it you need to do? What impossible are you staring down wondering how in the world you will ever overcome this? What seems way too big and way too hard for you? My sister, there are only two ways you can do this: With God’s help or without God’s help. Those are your choices.
Without God’s help, you will be relying on your own strength. Without God’s help you will be using your own limited sight and knowledge. Without God’s help you will be restrained by human limitations as you battle demonic attacks. That’s not a fair battle, but it is the battle you will face. The enemy won’t change just because you’re working from only human power.
But, you could do this with God’s help. You can walk in there today with the Spirit of God guiding your words. You could show up today with a higher perspective and divine wisdom flowing through you. You could have supernatural strength within to do impossible things as you battle the attacks of the enemy. And let me tell you something right now, YOU COULD WIN!
Why would we ever choose to do this without God? But we often do.
I was recently talking with a friend of mine who is struggling in her marriage. They’re finally going to marriage counseling and she said, “We only have two choices – either this will work, or this won’t work.” Immediately I felt God’s spirit rise up in me and say, “Nope, that can’t be on the table. Divorce can’t be an option walking in. Your options here are you either do this WITH God, or you try and do this WITHOUT God. Girl, do this WITH GOD.”
That is the sole qualifying factor to saving a marriage. That is the only qualifying factor for guiding your children. That is the only qualifying factor for overcoming what has been holding you back. That is the only qualifying factor for stepping out of bondage and living in the full potential of the life God has for you. The qualifying factor is being empowered by the Spirit of God.
God, I want to do this with you. I don’t want to even thing about doing it without you.
Now, let me give you a word from God that will stir up his Spirit within you right now. When you hear this, you will feel that leap of his Spirit inside. Ready?
Zechariah 4:6-7, “Not by might nor by power, but by my spirit. What are you mighty mountain, you will become level ground.”
Now the MSG translation,