*Ecclesiastes 9:11* - “I again saw under the sun that the *race is not to the swift* and the *battle is not to the strong*, and *neither is bread to the wise* nor *riches to those of intelligence and understanding* nor *favor to men of ability*; but time and chance overtake them all.”

 

There are entities other physical elements that are responsible for a man's success and achievement in life. In other words, though these qualities - speed, strength, wisdom, intelligence, understanding, ability - *are necessary, they are not sufficient to ensure a man's lifting, triumph, promotion, or dominion*. 

 

These entities are outside the realm of man's direct control or  manipulation. There are activities in other dimensions that have unequivocal impact on the physical realm.

 

So who is in charge of time and chance when you are…

1. Supposedly the ‘sure bet’, yet not getting consistent results?

2. Unfavourably the ‘poor bet’ and content with inconsistent outcomes?

 

*Psalm 31:15* - “My times are in Your hands; Rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from those who pursue and persecute me.”

 

*Romans 9:15-16* - “For He says to Moses, “I will have *mercy* on whomever I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I have compassion.” 16 So then *God’s choice is not dependent on human will*, nor on *human effort* [the totality of human striving], but *on God who shows mercy* [to whomever He chooses—it is His sovereign gift].”

 

Up till now, your concept of *mercy* was rooted in:

 

*Luke 18:13* - “And the publican, standing afar off, would not so much as lift up his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, ‘*God, be merciful to me a sinner!*’”

 

Believers are conversant with the concept of *mercy* as grace sovereignly given to man for the pardon of sin. It is compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.

 

*Points to note*:

1. We are yet to fully explore *mercy* as a system of advantage that our Father has made available to bridge our inadequacies and limitations to the results he has promised us in the scripture.

 

2. To every endeavour man engages (in the physical), there is a spiritual component that is more important. Romans 9:15-16…It is not of him that wills…nor of him that runs…but of God who shows mercy. Whether you are a ‘sure bet’ or a ‘poor bet,’ there is a spiritual protocol (God’s mercy) that needs to be fulfilled in order for a believer to live a life of victory.

Whenever we leave God’s mercy out of the equation of our endeavours, we subject ourselves to inconsistent results. 

 

3. *God’s mercy* is your spiritual endorsement. It’s a gift, receive it and apply it.

 

*How do you know God’s mercy is operational in a believer’s life?*

 

When others are doing exactly the same thing you are doing but not as successful or have the kind of results or victory you are having.

 

Romans 9:16 states that …God’s choice is dependent on Himself who shows mercy [to whomever He chooses - it is His sovereign gift.

 

 

1. *Psalm 25:10* - “All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth, unto them that *keep His covenant* and *His testimonies*.”

 

2. *Luke 1:50* - “His mercy extends to *those who fear him*, from generation to generation.”

 

3. *Matthew 5:7* - “*Blessed are the merciful*, for they shall obtain mercy.”

 

*Prayer Point*

*Hebrews 4:16* - Father, I come boldly unto the *throne of grace* in the name of Jesus Christ, I call unto You this morning to *obtain mercy* and find grace to help in my time of need. Father, let me find favour in your sight. Show me Your mercy in [fill in the gap] area of life and mandate.