BY MERCY OR CHANCE

*WISDOM FOR TODAY*

*BY MERCY OR CHANCE.*

*Scripture Treasure.*

Eccl 9: 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.*

*Insight and Highlight.*

It is by His mercy, not by chance.

Rom 9:16. *So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.*

*Scripture Commentaries.*

Many people who celebrate chance with the notion of being "in the right place at the right time" should also consider "being at the wrong place at the right time" or being at the right place at the wrong time".

Chance plays many roles in this world, some or most often tragic.

The Psalmist prays and exalts God, saying in Psalm 124:1 *If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, now may Israel say;*

He must have at the back of His mind that only God is mankind's solace and refuge.

In life, we often find ourselves in situations that are very dangerous.

Chances do present themselves to us. lt is a world that is shaped by chances, but we must not live by them. They are either good or bad, but God's mercy is always good any time, any day.

David was at the right place when Saul took him to himself and *"....would let him go no more home to his father's house."*

A day came when *"... Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it."* 1 Sam 18:2,11.

People have been in their rightful places and right locations, yet brought down by tragedy.

People have been in wrongful places and wrong locations yet have been saved from tragedy.

Jonathan was in the right place but at the wrong time. At the dinner of the new moon, his father hurled *"....a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David."*, 1 Sam 20:33.

Jonathan made a remarkable statement to David, and this sumed up a faithful heart that resolved that only God can preserve lives.

He expressed his belief that only God had kept David alive, 1 Sam 20:15 *But also thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever: no, not when the LORD hath cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth.*

If you think you struck chances and you live by them, think about how costly it would be when chances run against you.

It is by mercy, my brothers and sisters!

*Remorse corner.*

Chances come and go.

The mercy of God endures forever! Psalm 136.

*Call to Word action.*

Lamentations 3:22-23 *lt is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.*

*They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.*

*The Christian clarion duty.*

Ask for His mercy, let His mercy find you. God is reliable.

Hebrews 4:16 *Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.*

*Prayer.*

Let Your mercy find me, always, in Jesus name

Good morning. All be blessed as you come into His presence.

God bless you.