Today’s Devotion
Topic: Victory Is Of The Lord
Text: Proverbs 21: 31
31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord. Amen
The desire to succeed at all endeavours is legitimate and shared by all people. It is often the focus of many people to break grounds and advance in several aspects of life.
There are, however, two sides of the coin; we have to put in our possible best by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to work towards the goal. At the same time, we must trust confidently in God’s ability to bring victory through those very efforts we put into all we do.
Most often than not, we tend to focus much on our efforts than on the “God-factor” eventhough we’re fully aware that “by strength shall no man prevail”(1 Samuel 2: 9b). Let us delve deeper into the two principles under consideration:
i. Physical Preparation: This is very necessary because they fulfil natural law and principle. God in His wisdom has laid down certain principles to govern the world He created. These laws and principles have corresponding effects that help regulate the course of life. Its wise application or otherwise can determine what we get from life, and who we will be at the end of the day.
An example is the principle that “Anyone who sows during farming season, is likely to reap during the harvest season, all other things being equal.” A student who dedicates to deligent studies, is likely to pass every examination. A sportsman or woman is also expected to train as often as possible just to keep in shape. Those who they apply themselves to these principles, often will have an added advantage than their contemporaries who do not.
The Holy Spirit guides and inspires our physical efforts to succeed. He kicks against dishonesty, pride,discontentment and laziness. He also kicks out all other ills that impede our success and perfects His strength in our weakness.
ii. Absolute Dependence On God: Man is mortal and limited. We desperately need God to lead the way to success and not just to prepare us for it. You see, we have no power of our own to succeed (even if we feel most qualified for it)- it is He that orders the steps of the righteous and causes things to fall in their rightful places on our behalf.
We have no wisdom, no glory, no strength and no “giftens” unless He endow us. He is the “sustainer”of our lives and the divine architect of all we hope to be. It is in Him we live, move and have our being. He (Himself) is the victory and success we seek!
Even the most talented among us will still need grace from Him to breakthrough. For although the talent remains a gift from God, there are often forces unseen that militate against our efforts to rise to the top. It is God that fights our unseen battles and gains victories on our behalf everyday while we sleep.
Beloved, it is expedient therefore, to allow the Holy Spirit prepare us for every good work (academics, career, marriage etc) so that we be humanly equipped for greater heights. But as He takes us through the process, we must not forget that He is still the same that will ensure the victory and success we desire. We must therefore depend entirely on Him for victory everyday.
Begin to pray now. Pray with the hymn “Captain of Isreal’s host and guide”. Surrender every plan, desire and challenge before the Lord; He is able! Click: https://youtu.be/CcwZsbcyi8s
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