“So then it is not of him who wills nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.” Romans 9:16
REFERENCE
Romans 9:14-16
Without a proper understanding of today’s thought, life may seem an imbalanced game of luck. In fact, many have often exclaimed that life is not fair, or God Himself is not fair. (God may not appear to be fair but He is just). For such a declaration to be made there has to be someone more just than Him – and there is none. God will wrong no man and He equally will owe no man. If we see what He sees, we will better understand why He does what He does.
It is good to work hard, to put much into life and play by the rules, but all these alone do not always guarantee a successful life. There is that ‘inexplicable factor’ that is often witnessed in some people, that makes them take the shine in their field, excel in a competition and gain global recognition even though they may not necessarily be the best! There may be better footballers than Lionel Messi in the slums of Rio, Brazil; there may be geniuses in the slums of Mumbai, India, that may never rise to Mark Zuckerberg’s stardom.
King Solomon said, “The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, nor favor to men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all.”(Ecclesiastes 9:11). A life of impact and meaning is often a product of the mercy of God and not the hard work of man; about God’s grace and favor, not from much activity.
If God sent Jesus to die for you and you are born again, you are a recipient of His mercy and qualify for continuous mercy. Scripture hints ways we can position ourselves for God’s grace – Humility: He gives grace (unmerited favor) to the humble (James 4:6). Maintain an attitude of humility and dependence on God. Treat people right: They are made in God’s image and matter to him (Proverbs 19:17). Finally, be a man of your word and a person of integrity.
I pray that mercy will find you and give you results above your fretting, learning or earning, in Jesus’ name.
SCRIPTURE PHOTO
ADDITIONAL READING
I Samuel 2:30, Psalm 15:1-5 and Genesis 39:11-13 & 19-23
PRAYER POINTS
+ God, I look beyond my effort to your grace and mercy; may they ever be present in my life.
+ I commit my career, business, profession, family, etc., into Your hands – let mercy distinguish me in them all in Jesus’ name.
Amen!
His mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning!