Monday, 13th October 2025

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

TOPIC: BY STRENGTH SHALL NO MAN PREVAIL

THEME SCRIPTURE: “It is not by strength that one prevails; those who oppose the Lord will be broken.” — 1 Samuel 2:9b–10a

 

PREPARATORY QUESTION 

1. By what is man expected to prevail in this life? 

 

In a world obsessed with self-made success and human achievement, Hannah’s declaration rings like thunder:  “It is not by strength that one prevails”. This flies in the face of every cultural instinct. Victory, as God defines it, does not come by human might but by divine mercy.

The proud, the powerful, the self-reliant—those who resist God—will be “broken”. This isn't poetic exaggeration; it’s a spiritual law. 

When strength is used to defy the Lord, it turns into weakness. When power is rooted in pride, it collapses.

Yet to the humble, the surrendered, the one who bows in dependence, God gives strength that endures. As Paul reminds us,  “When I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10). True strength is not physical or positional— it is spiritual, hidden in God, rooted in trust, and sustained by grace.

 

John Chrysostom once said, “He that is humble, despite all the arrows of the devil, cannot be overthrown.” Why? Because he knows the battle belongs to the Lord (1 Samuel 17:47). 

Beloved, truly the humble leans not on his sword, but on his Savior. Hannah’s story shows us this truth: her barrenness wasn’t broken by striving—it was broken by surrender. Her vindication came not through vengeance, but through the faithfulness of God. 

Precious one, are you leaning on your sword or your Savior? Where lies your confidence in this life? If it is still in the Lord, then blessed are you; you will prevail in all you do. 

Remain blessed. 

 

FURTHER READING: Samuel 2

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.

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. Am I relying on my own strength or surrendering to God's power?  

2. Where do I need to stop striving and start trusting?  

3. Have I mistaken pride for strength? What might God be asking me to lay down?

 

PRAYER

Lord of hosts, forgive me for the times I’ve trusted in my own strength rather than in Your power. Teach me the strength of surrender and the might of humility. Help me to lay down every weapon of pride and lean wholly on Your victory. In You alone is true power. May I prevail not through might, but through faith. In Jesus' precious name. Amen

One-Year Bible Reading Plan.

 Psalm 121; Revelation 11; Nehemiah 13