God of Time and Chances

 Devotional 

February 05, 2025

God of Time and Chances 

Eccl.9.11 - I returned and saw under the sun that-- 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.ng

As human beings,  we are made with so many limitations.  One of these limitations is our inability to discern our time and seasons. We do not know nor have any input on when, where and how to be born. We only got to see ourselves growing wherever we were born.  Just like the birth experience none of us has power on when our end will come. No wonder the preacher says the race is not to the swift nor the battle to the strong,  but time and chances happen to them all.  Time is never static, it waits for no man, so use your time and opportunities wisely. 

Although,  as believers we may not have power over time and the opportunities they often present,  the knowledge of the creator and owner of time gives unflinching assurance that all things work together for the good to them who love Him, those who are called according to His good purpose -Rom. 8:28. God has everything planned out before creating anyone.  No one comes here on his own or for himself.  If we are going to fulfill our reason for existence we need the knowledge of Him who made us and put us within a time limit.

We worry so much about ourselves and future.  What we shall eat, drink, clothes to put on, houses,  mobilities,  survival in difficult times and even death. The Lord expressly admonishes His disciples never to worry about all of these but rather  seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness,  all other things shall be added. Matt 6:25-34.

So many of us are running helter-skelter trying to beat the time, craving for so much without seeking the One who makes time and decides its use. Many even thought God is not needed in their affairs.  Trusting and flexing in their wisdom, knowledge,  power and wealth.  They thought they had it all planned out, forgetting that without God's mercy and grace they do not possess any ability over the future.  They boast in their achievement and power forgetting that exaltation and blessings only come from above. 

This is to call our attention again to acknowledge the Almighty,  who rules in the affairs of man. Nebuchadnezzar failed to acknowledge this on time, he became a beast for many years.  The rich farmer in Luke didn't acknowledge this, his breath was taken from him, Herod the king failed to return the glory of his time and opportunities to the Almighty,  he became a sudden food for worms.  Don't be a fool who would not acknowledge God in his life. God is still relevant in our generation and in every nation.  No nation or persons can be so strong and already made to ignore the place and importance of God in their lives.  

Prov.3.5 - 6- Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

Further Readings:  Eccl. 9:1-18; Dan. 4; Matt. 6: 25-34. 

Prayers: 

I put You in front of all my life and time. Lead and order me according to Your will.  Help me to fulfil all that is proposed for my time. And at the end of it all, may I have a place in Your eternal kingdom.  This I ask through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.  Amen.