By grace we attain success, and by the grace to maintain, we sustain it. Though we work hard and strive for breakthrough, the battle is not always to the strong nor the race to the swift. In the end, God’s grace makes the difference.
Proof Text: Ephesians 2:8 – “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.”
Everybody cherishes breakthrough; that is why we work hard. Little do we know, however, that the battle is not always for the strong or that the race is not always for the swift. After our struggles and hard labour, God still has to mark our work. That is the meaning of grace — not the work of righteousness which you have done, but according to His grace.
No man knows what will happen next. This is why we must pray as if everything depends on God and work as if everything depends on us.
The best man in the world can only maintain his position and honour as long as God keeps him in it because honour attracts hatred and persecution. No one can survive attacks without God because attacks come from satan, but God protects.
If we are left to ourselves, we will fall and the enemy will triumph. If God withdraws His support, protection, and love from us, we will fall. God knows that we are naturally fearful and weak when facing trials.
One would think that in battle the most powerful should always win, yet many good men remain unnoticed and uncelebrated. This shows that life is not sustained by strength alone but mainly by grace.
At certain times in life, we find ourselves being unduly hated and persecuted because of the grace of God upon our lives. When that grace is upon you, many things in your life will defy human logic, causing many to want to resist you and what you represent.
People of God, the best man can only maintain his integrity as long as God keeps him in it. It is better not to achieve than to achieve and fall. When it is time to pray, do not only ask for blessings — also ask for the grace to maintain what you already have. Anybody can achieve success, but not everyone can maintain it.
May you be blessed with the grace to receive and to maintain.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, help me to depend on Your grace and not on my strength. Teach me to trust You in every battle and give me the grace to maintain every blessing You have given me. Strengthen my heart to stand firm and rely on Your authority above all. In Jesus’ name. Amen.