Why do you succeed? Is it your hard work? Is it luck? Is it being at the right place at the right time? Is it knowing the right people? Is it God?
Not all hard work produces the outcome you hoped for.
I’ve seen someone have great beauty lost through sickness or tragedy. I’ve seen rich people lose their investments. I’ve seen healthy become catastrophically sick. I’ve seen the best jobs get laid off.
And the list keeps going. How much control do you really have over your circumstances?
Do you know the story of King Nebuchadnezzar?
Daniel interpreted a dream he had explaining that the king would lose it all and go mentally crazy for seven years. He wouldn’t die, a remnant of his life would survive; like a stump of a tree.
Daniel said he would lose it all. Then said “Since the stump of the tree and its roots were left in the ground, your kingdom will be given back to you when you learn that one in heaven rules your kingdom.” (Daniel 4:26 NCV)
Nebuchadnezzar made a foundational mistake in his life; he thought he was in control, when in fact God ruled his kingdom. Despite the warning, King Nebuchadnezzar did not heed Daniel’s plea.
Daniel said: “So, O king, please accept my advice. Stop sinning and do what is right. Stop doing wicked things and be kind to the poor. Then you might continue to be successful.” (Daniel 4:27 NCV)
It’s hard to actually believe that all your effort would be worthless unless God blesses it. But it’s true.
So what happened to King Nebuchadnezzar?
“Twelve months later as he was walking on the roof of his palace in Babylon, he said, “I have built this great Babylon as my royal home. I built it by my power to show my glory and my majesty.” (Daniel 4:29-30 NCV)
“The words were still in his mouth when a voice from heaven said, “King Nebuchadnezzar, these things will happen to you: Your royal power has been taken away from you.” (Daniel 4:31 NCV)
“Immediately the words came true. Nebuchadnezzar was forced to go away from people, and he began eating grass like an ox. He became wet from dew. His hair grew long like the feathers of an eagle, and his nails grew like the claws of a bird.” (Daniel 4:33 NCV)
So what’s the take-away?
We control nothing. I’ve seen people not respond to chemo. I’ve seen death show up out of the blue, when things are going great. I had a friend who died from an out of control speeding truck that hit him at 80 mph from behind.
As Job said; “The life of every creature and the breath of all people are in God’s hand.” (Job 12:10 NCV)
It’s wise to continually follow and walk with God, asking him to bless our effort and life. It’s where control actually starts.
LORD, please bless our hard work. Please bless the medicine for those sick. Please protect us from others and the attacks of Satan. Please provide and help us work hard as we grow in faith. Help us step out in faith, depending on you go bless, protect and provide. Help us walk close to you because you are life, love and provision. IJNIP amen ♥️
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