"The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord," (Proverbs 21:31).
How much of life depends on our efforts, and how much on the sovereign work of God? It is a very important question. Today's text gives some insight into the answer. We are not robots. God's sovereignty is not determinism. We play a significant role in what the outcomes of our life look like.
"The horse is prepared for the day of battle." Solomon was the King of Israel. He had grown up watching his father, King David, prepare for war. No one trusted God more than David. If you doubt this, read the Psalms. In all he did, David trusted God with all his heart. He taught this lesson to Solomon, who wrote those exact words, (see Proverbs 3:5). But Solomon also observed that the King's "horse" was always prepared for the battle. David did his part. He fought the battle with every fiber of his being. And when he had done his part, he trusted God for the outcome of the battle.
"The victory belongs to Yahweh." This is where trust enters the picture. I believe it was John Wesley, the great preacher, evangelist, and founder of the Methodist church, who said, "Work as if it all depended on you...pray as if it all depended on God." I have tasks to accomplish today. I'm sure you do also. I'm working to get my "horse" prepared for the day of battle. I'm doing all I can do to see those tasks accomplished successfully. But I am also trusting God to enter into my preparation for, and execution of those tasks, and providentially intervene in the outcome of my efforts. I don't know what you are facing today. I don't know what battles you are engaged in. But here is good counsel from the wisest man of the Old Testament: prepare your horse for the day of battle...and when you have done all you can...then know that the outcome is in God's hands, so trust him.
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