June 8, 2015 (Ecclesiastes 7-9, Ephesians 4)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “I have observed something else under the sun. The fastest runner doesn’t always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn’t always win the battle. The wise sometimes go hungry, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy. And those who are educated don’t always lead successful lives. It is all decided by chance, by being in the right place at the right time.” (Ecclesiastes 9:11 NLT)
Observation: I believe God has an intended destiny for each of us. I also believe like Solomon that much of our destiny is determined by us being in the right place at the right time. However, I also believe that God has ultimate control and will work things out according to His authority. The fastest runner doesn’t always win the race, because God ultimately decides the outcome of every situation. It is God that raises us up, and it is God that humbles us down. And Thank God He does! What a mess we make of our lives when we choose the work things out on our own. The talent, skill, strength, and wisdom to win come from God and He gives these blessings to whom He chooses, when He chooses.
Application: We all desire Gods favor in our lives. We want the blessings of God and prefer the heartaches to be passed on to someone else. We are usually eager to stand before God with our hand out desiring to receive from Him all the good things we want. Yet often times I afraid I’ve missed out on some really great blessings because I wasn’t in the right place at the right time. Had I been where God wanted me to be I would have received God’s best that He desired to give me However, because of my selfish choices to do things my own way, I missed out on God’s best and settled for something much less. But thank God for His mercy and grace that redeems us when we repent and humble ourselves before Him. He restores and again pours out His best blessings on us once again! He does this to protect the honor of His name.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for Your mercy and grace that are far greater than I could ever understand completely. Thank You for being in complete control of my life and always working things out for my good. Thank you for the discipline I’ve received from You that corrected my crooked path and made it straight once again. I love You Lord, and I appreciate You so much. In Jesus name, Amen!