Sunday, 4th May 2025
Alex Buabeng-Korsah
TOPIC: THE MERCY THAT LIFTS
THEME SCRIPTURE: “So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy. - Romans 9:16 NKJV
PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:
1. Why must it take the mercies of God to strive through life?
Imagine a brilliant surgeon, revered for her skill, yet drowning in despair. Or an athlete breaking records, only to crumble under anxiety. Talent, intelligence, and effort are gifts, but they are not guarantees.
Solomon observed, “The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong” (Eccl 9:11).
History brims with stories of the “qualified” who faltered and the “unlikely” who soared. Why? Mercy! .
A young man I know earned a PhD yet battled unemployment. Meanwhile, a high school dropout in his community built a thriving business. The difference wasn’t grit alone—it was grace.
As Charles Spurgeon said, “Grace is the backbone of every blessing.”
Romans 9:16 reminds us: Salvation, provision, and favour hinge not on human will or effort, but on God’s mercy.
He lifts the humble, not the self-reliant (1 Samuel 2:8).
Consider Joseph. Sold into slavery, he relied not on his intellect or pedigree but on God’s favour. Though skilled, he declared, “Interpretations belong to God” (Gen 40:8). His rise from prison to palace was mercy in motion. Likewise, David—a shepherd boy—defeated Goliath not by strength but by declaring, “The battle is the Lord’s” (1 Sam 17:47).
Beloved, A.W. Tozer wrote, “God’s mercy is the scaffold where He rebuilds broken souls.” So then, how do we position ourselves for His mercies?
Precious one, let's learn to pray for dependency: “Lord, I bring my plans—breathe on them.” It is dependency on God that moves His merciful hand. Also, let's learn to cultivate gratitude: Thank Him for daily bread, not just banquets. The complainant never finds mercy, but gratitude opens doors. Lastly, we must learn to embrace humility. Yeah, surrender outcomes. His mercy often works through our surrender.
Precious one, you may feel overlooked, underqualified, or stuck. Remember: The God who fed Elijah via ravens and crowned Esther as queen still reigns. Your resume doesn’t move Him—your reliance does. Today, trade anxiety for awe. His mercy is your anchor.
FURTHER READING: Ecclesiastes 9:11, 1 Samuel 2:8
Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.
QUESTION TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD
1. Are you bearing fruit for Christ or just producing leaves?
2. Do you have compassion for lost souls?
PRAYER
Eternal Father, I am grateful for how far you have brought me. Please, empty me of self-reliance. I yield to your mercies. Let Your mercy define my story from today going forward, in Jesus' precious name. Hallelujah!
One-Year Bible Reading Plan
Romans 6; Judges 17-18; Psalm 119:153-176
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