Thoughts on Christian Living Book #2 by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview
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UNDERSTANDING TIME AND CHANCE: EXPECTATION’S
DISAPPOINTMENTS
Words demanding meditation herein are penned by the wise man, Solomon. “I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.” Ecc. 9:11.
Generalizations in this world must not be depended upon as being ultimately, always true. For instance, it is a given generalization that if one works hard and consistently, he will achieve success. Another, is that if one prepares himself through higher, and specialized education, the door of a desired career will open to him.
However, those things alone often fail as demonstrated by the practical experience of life focused upon by Solomon, and repeatedly verified by modern life situations.
One will wonder at some point just why does a certain person succeed and others fail when those who fail seem better prepared? Solomon’s conclusion was that it is all “time and chance.” Often just being in the right place at the right time is to realize fulfillment by the randomness of chance. His viewpoint was that these things were, not totally, but definitely involved in every instance in which men are elevated above their fellows. The race may not belong to the swift, but undoubtedly, one must be somewhat swift to enter the race. The battle may not belong to the strong, but the weak should not be engaged in the battle, etc. But, above personal preparations, there are still the factors of time and chance. How disappointing it is when time and chance favors others, crushing expectations designed upon preparation.
However, there is a realm wherein time and chance do not rule or dash expectations. It is the spiritual realm. Salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ has been procured, and it is within the reach of all men. Moreover, those who prepare for the Christian race definitely win. They win spiritual battles, feast on the bread of life, are enriched beyond explanation in human terms. Understanding
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