“So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.” – Romans 9:16
The natural order of life teaches that results come from effort. We work, we strive, and we expect outcomes according to our labour. But divine favour introduces a higher law — one that goes beyond human effort. Romans 9:16 reminds us that while our diligence is good, it is ultimately God’s mercy and favour that secures the blessing. This truth is liberating because it shifts the pressure from your ability to God’s sufficiency.
Consider Ruth. She was a Moabite, a foreigner with no entitlement in Israel. Yet, when she gleaned in Boaz’s field, she was noticed, preferred, and eventually positioned for greatness. Ruth’s story shows us that divine favour can accomplish more in a single moment than years of labour could ever produce. It does not cancel diligence, but it crowns it with divine results.
There are times when life will make you feel inadequate, when your qualifications, background, or resources seem insufficient. But favour speaks where your résumé cannot. It ushers you into opportunities beyond your natural reach. People may wonder why you are preferred, but it is the invisible hand of God’s mercy at work.
Divine favour ensures that your destiny is not tied to human approval. Men may overlook you, but God will ensure that the right eyes see you, the right hands support you, and the right doors open for you. Labour has limits, but favour has no boundaries. It is favour that positions you at the right place at the right time for supernatural promotion.
As you move forward this month, stop relying only on what you can do. Begin to rely on what God can do through His favour. Combine diligence with dependence, and watch how His mercy carries you where your labour ends.
Prayer: Lord, I thank You for the gift of divine favour. I surrender my efforts to You and trust in Your mercy to take me beyond the limits of my labour. Let Your favour distinguish me, promote me, and speak for me in places where my strength cannot. Amen.
