Joshua 24:12 And I sent the hornet before you, which drove them out before you, the two kings of the Amorites; it was not by your sword or by your bow. 13 I gave you a land on which you had not labored and cities that you had not built, and you dwell in them. You eat the fruit of vineyards and olive orchards that you did not plant.’

We’ve all seen the scenario.  Good and godly parents who seem to do everything right.  Good and godly leaders who follow biblical principles at every turn. But then things somehow don’t turn out.  Inexplicable.

But here we are reminded that our best efforts are simply not enough.  Our best efforts are never enough…that’s the point of the gospel.  Joshua and the people of Israel won the war and conquered the land because God chose to fight for them.

Our role in parenting and in leadership is central, but it’s not ultimate.

If in your case things haven’t yet turned out well, it won’t ultimately be your efforts that turn things around, it will be the hand of God. Pray like crazy!

And if in your case things have turned out well, give thanks to God!  He went ahead of you.  It wasn’t by your sword or your bow.  You live in a house you did not build.  You eat from a garden you did not plant.  Praise God!