February 28, 2021: Go for It!
“I returned, and saw under the sun, that 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” (Eccles. 9:11, KJV).
These words hold two very credible sources of endorsement: They were penned by Solomon—the wisest man who ever lived—and, as a part of the canon of Scripture, fall under the category of being inspired by God. The truth of this passage can be viewed in two ways that offer hope to us in our earthly journey and experience.
Life lived long enough will prove that life isn’t always fair. Hard work doesn’t always lead to success, honesty is not always rewarded and position is not always based on merit. The truth of this verse gives us this pragmatic reality: We are not always where we are based on our merit, nor are we always denied our goals because of our lack.
But there is another way to look at this passage: We should shoot our shot, take our chance and aim for the stars. It’s not always the best who win; it’s not always the strong who overcome; and it’s not always the savvy who get rich. Since time and chance (or providence) happens to everyone, it’s our job to be content in His mercy and to be ambitious for His glory!
If you feel like you’ve been overlooked, remember the person ahead of you isn’t necessarily better. And, if you’re afraid to go for it, remember it’s not always the best person who wins.
Lord, since we don’t know how time and chance will turn out, let us go for it! Amen.
Emanuel Baek is a pastor of the West Chester church in Pennsylvania.
February 22: You Can Call Me "The Hallelujah"
February 23: Knock at the Door
February 24: Two Are Better Than One
February 25: Only God Can Do That
February 26: God Chose Me
February 27: Battling the What-Ifs
February 28: Go for It!
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