On the Shoulders of GiantsSample

Deeper Still

“Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty. -Zechariah 4:6

In 1895, Charles Price Jones had no idea God would use him to ignite a revival. When he came to Jackson, Miss., to lead the city’s oldest African American congregation, Jones found the members of Mt. Helm Baptist Church and the broader community in disrepair. The civil rights gained following the Civil War were gone. Terrified yet resilient, many Black pastors believed that an organized, educated people could push back against the darkness and rebuild.

In Zechariah, the Lord assured the people through the prophet that the temple would, indeed, be rebuilt. But rebuilding, we’re told in Zechariah 4:6, wouldn’t happen through human agency alone. The Spirit’s power, not human power or might, would achieve this great goal.

Jones, a young minister, observed that his Black community in Mississippi’s capital city had issues beyond what state house policymakers concocted. The spiritual life of many church members was dim and rudderless. His soul yearned for more from God.

An encounter with the Holy Spirit convicted Jones that there was more power for victorious living if God’s people would cry out for revival. A year later, Jones spearheaded a Holiness convention that in time gave rise to the Church of God in Christ. Souls were saved, bodies healed, and praise resounded from people rejuvenated by God’s presence and power.

When we yield ourselves to the Spirit, we’re bound to see God do things beyond our wildest dreams.

CJ Rhodes

How is the Spirit inviting you to trust more in divine power?

Spirit of the living God, give me the inner strength to go deeper.