Ecclesiastes 9-12

“Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong ... but time and chance happen to them all” (9:11). The “Preacher” acknowledged reality: everyone dies, and during our lives we can’t control all our circumstances. We must live courageously, dedicating our actions to the Lord even though we don’t know the future. Otherwise, we become fearful and paralyzed. “He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap” (11:4).

“Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man (12:13). Because our good God is in charge, and not us, we can surrender and live for His purposes.