Who Are You, O Great Mountain? Overcoming Obstacles to Claim God’s Promises

Introduction

Life is filled with challenges that often seem insurmountable—mountains standing between us and our God-given destiny. In Zechariah 4:7, the Lord declares:

"Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain!"

This powerful Scripture reminds us that no obstacle is too great when God is on our side. The story of Zerubbabel rebuilding the temple teaches us how to face opposition, persist in faith, and ultimately triumph by God’s Spirit.

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1. Rebuilding: Starting Again with God’s Help

After years of captivity, the Israelites returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple (Ezra 1:1-5). God stirred the heart of King Cyrus to issue a decree for its reconstruction, proving that divine favor precedes divine assignments.

Yet, starting again isn’t always easy. Like Zerubbabel, many of us have faced setbacks—failed dreams, delayed promises, or abandoned projects. But God’s word assures us:

"The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; his hands shall also finish it." (Zechariah 4:9)

No matter how long you’ve paused, God can reignite your vision.

2. Resistance: Facing Opposition with Faith

The moment the Israelites began rebuilding, enemies arose to stop them (Ezra 4:1-6). They wrote letters to the king, spread lies, and even secured a decree to halt construction (Ezra 4:18-24). For two years, the work ceased.

Opposition is inevitable when pursuing God’s promises. Pastor Mensa Otabil once said, “Open doors come with battles.” The enemy fights hardest when your breakthrough is near. But like Zerubbabel, we must stand firm, knowing that:

"Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit," says the Lord. (Zechariah 4:6)

3. Rebouncing: Rising Stronger After Setbacks

After years of delay, God sent prophets Haggai and Zechariah to reignite the people’s faith (Ezra 5:1). Their words stirred Zerubbabel to resume building—this time with supernatural backing.

When the opposition returned, God intervened. King Darius not only allowed the work to continue but also funded it (Ezra 6:1-5). What seemed like an obstacle became an opportunity for greater provision.

This teaches us a vital truth: God sometimes allows delays to position us for greater favor.

Conclusion: From Defeat to Distinction

Just as Zerubbabel completed the temple despite setbacks, we too can overcome our mountains. I recall failing my first degree attempt but later earning a distinction in my second. What made the difference? Persistence and reliance on God’s grace.

No mountain is too great when God is fighting for you. The same Spirit that flattened Zerubbabel’s opposition is at work in you today. So, shout with faith:

"Grace, grace to it!" (Zechariah 4:7)

Your mountain will become a plain. Your breakthrough will come. Keep building—your testimony is next!