December 12, 1998, Saturday

Are some people winners because of good luck or another

a loser because of bad luck? What is the secret of being a

winner and overcoming difficulty? What course of action

do winners take that sets them apart from others?

The wise Solomon surprisingly tells us that there are

some parts of life that are given to chance or luck--

"I realized another thing, that in this world fast

runners do not always win the races, and the brave

do not always win the battles. The wise do not always

earn a living, intelligent people do not always get

rich, and capable people do not always rise to high

positions. Bad luck happens to everyone. You never

know when your time is coming. Like birds suddenly

caught in a trap, like fish caught in a net, we are

trapped at some evil moment when we least expect it"

(Ecc 9:11-12). Nobody can see everything around the

bend, which is why we need a Captain to win.

Paul simply stated that the secret to winning was with

God's help who will not permit His cause to be subverted-

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with

good" (Rom 12:21). As we think on Him, as we worship

Him, and as we follow Him to please Him; He will not

allow us to lose. You can overcome evil with good.

The story of Joshua as a winner is an excellent example

for us. He became a great conqueror because of his faith--

"And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he

lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a

Man over against him with His sword drawn in His hand: and

Joshua went to Him, and said to Him, Are You for us, or

for our adversaries? And He said, No; but as Prince of

the Host of Jehová am I now come. And Joshua fell on his

face to the earth, and did worship, and said to Him, What

says my Lord to His servant? And the Prince of the Host

of Jehová said to Joshua, Take your shoe from off your

foot; for the place where you are standing is holy. And

he did so" (Jos 5:13-15). Joshua's mind was set on God.

Let us remember the God that is our Captain. God's name

is Jehová Sabaoth. He is the God who is the Captain and

Lord of The Hosts of Heaven. He is the Mighty Conqueror

over all of His enemies. He is mighty in battle and able to

lead His Host to victory. Lift your hands to Him and Praise

Him today for the fact that He is the God who is our Captain

that leads us to our victory!