*Topic:* The race, strength, Intellect, Time, & Chance
*Text:* Ecclesiastes 9:11 KJV
[11] 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.https://bible.com/bible/1/ecc.9.11.KJV
Glory be to the King of Kings, who has counted us worthy of all the worship and praise. We are here again by His grace—not because we are righteous, for our righteousness is like a filthy rag. As we go into the sharing of the Word, I pray that the Lord will minister to us directly. I pray that the flesh will not rule in any form, in Jesus’ name.
When we hear the word *race* in the context of athletics, we instantly think of people who have trained to compete. We have those who do it for charitable purposes and those who do it on a professional level. One thing common among all these people is that they must have a certain level of speed.
There would have been preliminary competitions to qualify for the main race. However, despite all this training, there will always be one who outruns the others. The speed difference may be by seconds, but it is significant enough to determine the winner.
Now, taking the word *strength* , which can be measured by the quality of one’s physical ability to withstand pressure—some people’s strength is easily seen in their muscles or general physique, while in others it may not be as obvious. If we compare the strength of an active toddler to that of an active teenager, the difference will be significant.
Let’s now talk about *intellect* , which is the level of understanding and reasoning a person possesses. Oftentimes, we think that the level of education is the only way to determine a person’s intellect; however, life experience can also serve as a measure. Whichever method is used, intellect can be quantified based on a set of guidelines.
Next is *time* the definite or indefinite progress of existence of a thing or a person. In life, we all have a definite or indefinite progress depending on the area, but generally, we all receive the same 24 hours each day.
*Chance* is the possibility or occurrence of an event. For example, it might occur that you use a particular form of transportation in a day depending on your plans.
Having explained all these points, let’s refer to the quote from *Ecclesiastes 9:11: “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.”*
This verse tells us that every achievement is not solely based on how qualified a person is, but rather on how they make use of the time and chances given to them.
We all know that God can favour a gateman and elevate him to the height of a president but such favour must align with the strategic positioning of the person.
In the calendar of man, it is a new year, but we know the calendar of God is not governed by the calendar of man. For a thousand years on earth is like a day in heaven. Having said that, God has given us all the ability to make choices about how we spend our time and how we use the chances He presents to us.
Some things we achieve are based on the level of skill or work we put in, while others we achieve not because we are qualified, but because God made the impossible possible. That said, God will not come down to do what you ought to do.
As we strive to make life work and improve things according to our desires, it is essential to ensure that God is placed first and that our plans align with His will.
Don’t be lazy in your physical life and expect God to perform miracles when you refuse to take the steps He requires of you.
While you pray and have faith, take the necessary action.
As the Scripture says, “Faith without works is dead.” They also say, “Preparation meets opportunity.” Ensure that as you pray, you take the necessary steps. Don’t daydream while expecting God to complete what He is waiting for you to start. “ *_Time and chance happen to them all_* ,” meaning we all get opportunities. In this season of your life, what do you need to be prepared for? Are you just running on the spot, wishing to reach a destination twenty miles away?
You may sweat running in place, but the truth is, you may never reach that destination.
A saying goes, “ *_Only a madman will keep doing the same thing and expect change_.”* Are you going in circles around the same issue while expecting exponential results?
What did you do previously that didn’t work? Are you continuing with that same pattern this season? Change begins in the mind—unless your mind is ready, you cannot birth change.
*What do you do with your time?* They say time is money, and when money isn’t used wisely, it flies away. When you waste time, it cannot be redeemed.
Do you wish to grow more in God and know Him deeper? What are you doing to achieve this? You can’t know God more if you neglect personal Bible study.
* Do you wish to be more financially prudent or stable? What’s your saving plan?
* Do you wish to get another job or start a career? Are you submitting your CVs and applying for jobs? Where is your business plan? Where is your capital?
*The point is this* : if you fail to plan, you are planning to fail. The time and chance of Mr. A can never be redeemed by Mr. B. We must each redeem our own time and chance, and what we make of them will be the product of our daily input.
If you desire a prayer life that brings the supernatural, you must intensify your efforts and take the right steps accordingly. Whatever you desire, don’t rely solely on your human ability—ensure it aligns with God’s plans for you. The Lord, who sees your effort, will breathe on it and cause it to grow as He desires.
*Let us pray:*
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that You have sent to us today.
Lord, forgive me in any area where I have allowed laziness to take over.
Lord, help me to overcome whatever has kept me below the level You desire for me.
Lord, deliver me from self-destruction and self-limitation that stop me from attaining the height You want for me.
Lord, here I am—I surrender to You. Help me to prioritize the time and chance You have given me.
Lord, give me grace to break through all limitations as I walk by faith.
Father, help my spiritual life; increase the zeal and thirst for You in me.
Lord, destroy every form of self-sabotage in my life, in Jesus’ name.
Lord, help me to trust You more than ever before, in Jesus’ name.
Lord, give me grace to put You first and follow Your leading in all I do.
Lord, in this nation, take control and lead our leaders, in Jesus’ name.
*Personal Prayer*
Thank You, Jesus, for answered prayers, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
