Not by Horse Power, But by God’s Power

Daily Devotional: Day 156

“The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance is of the Lord” (Proverbs 21:31).

From ancient times until probably the early part of the 20^th century, war horses were part of nearly every military unit. Wild horses were often captured, subdued and brought under strict training to make them ready for war. Well trained war horses were a major asset because of the mobility, strength and flexibility they provided on the battlefield. Armies often relied on these horses for reconnaissance. The strength and conditioning of one’s war horses often played a decisive role in the outcome of a battle. Naturally, therefore, military commanders put a great deal of hope in their horses to deliver victory. Today, however, the armies of the world boast of their nuclear, missile and drone capabilities, among other strengths. This brief background will help us understand what God is telling us in today’s Scripture.

The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance is of the Lord.

God isn’t saying that the horse should not be prepared for battle. The horse’s job is to prepare for battle, but the horse does not guarantee victory. God does. This may sound simple, but understanding the difference is vital. Often people mix up ‘horse power’ and God’s power. You may not possess a physical horse, but the message in today’s passage isn’t just about horses. The message is about who or what you count on for success and victory in life. You may have your own ‘horse power’ in which you trust to give you victory and breakthrough in life. This may be your ‘money power,’ your ‘education power,’ your ‘healthy lifestyle power’ your ‘power in numbers,’ your ‘network power,’ your ‘family name power,’ your ‘job power,’ your ‘healthy body power,’ your ‘experience power,’ your ‘fasting and prayer power,’ etc.

Just as God isn’t against having an army (and horses), so is He not against having any of the ‘horse power’ listed above. However, He is against trusting in these things in your heart as your ticket to goodness, success and victory. God wants you to be hardworking. He wants you to plan your life. He wants you to prepare for battle, but more importantly, He wants you to remember that your deliverance comes from Him alone. The God of Israel is an army by Himself.  He doesn’t need an army to fulfill His plans for you. He honors those who do not lean on their ‘horse power’ but lean on the Lord’s power. Trust in God’s power today.

And may the Lord grant you victory in all your battles! Amen.

For further study: Psalm 20:1-9