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The Horses are ready for Battle
by Femi Onabanjo Text: Psalm 33:16-17 Great talent is never a guarantee for success. The Bible contains these words of wisdom: "The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all" (Eccl. 9:11). Are you skilled? Do not depend on it. Have you a great family heritage? Do not place your hopes on it. Are you famous, good-looking, and tremendously successful in academic pursuits or business? Perhaps you have plenty of goodwill. Remember that in the blink of an eye, money can disappear, as if it grew wings and flew away like a bird (Prov. 23:5) and that even the Israelites, for all their goodwill, suffered at the hands of a King who did not know Joseph (Ex. 1:8). History is replete with examples of shooting stars - men and women with bright prospects, who were full of great hope and ambition; people for whom the world was waiting. But they fizzled out, some by their own folly, others shot down from the sky, their rise ended abruptly by the schemes of the wicked. There are yet others to whom, as we say, "life happened" - tragedy struck. They got caught in the middle of a divorce, natural disaster, global economic recession, or a violent crime, an act of terror, a terminal disease . . . the list is endless. What, then, should be your hope? What can you count on to never fail you, especially in the times in which we live? You have acquired education and experience, developed your talent, stored up wealth, made friends in high places; you are literally living the life you've always dreamed. Do not come under the illusion that these are sufficient insurance against life's vagaries. Know that unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain (Ps 127:1). The one and only place you should ever place your trust is in the Lord. He alone gives Grace and Mercy, products of which we are. Paul's words are a fitting summary: "So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy" (Rom. 9:16). This is the only insurance you can count on. Prayer: Lord, I recognise that You alone are the Source of everything I have ever had and hope to have. Help me depend on You, the Giver, and not the gifts. I will be responsible; I will work hard, develop my talents and build relationships; I will prepare my horses for battle . . . but I will look to You for the results. Thank You, my Father, for no one who looks to You is ever ashamed. Amen Femi is a Christian who desires to be fruitful for God. He wants to contribute to the growth of the Kingdom and to this end, it is his joy to freely share whatever the Lord lays on his heart for the benefit of others. Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |