An associate of a renowned man of God tried to eavesdrop on his prayers to check what the content was; and to learn the secret of his exploits in ministry. To his surprise, the man of God was simply crying, “Mercy, Lord!” all through his prayer time. He must have learnt something about MERCY.
Friend, Mercy is a critical requirement for the fulfilment of destiny. God has planned that you would not become what you have been ordained to become without it; we all need the margin of mercy. Perhaps, David became great because of “the sure mercies of David” (Isaiah 55:3, Acts 13:34).
Contrary to what some people might think, mercy is not only meant for those who have done wrong. Someone might have assumed that the renowned man of God was probably living in sin to have been crying for mercy. Mercy is not only for the weak and sinful, it is also for the strong and saintly. It is for those who learn to yield their strength and weakness to God (2 Corinthians 12:10).
We must never posture as though we would get ahead in life based on merit alone; merit is good, but mercy is better because the best of man is still man in itself. In Christ, we are vessels of mercy; God has made provision for mercy so we can achieve beyond what our best efforts can afford us (Romans 9:15-16, 23).
Whereas Justice is getting what you deserve, Grace is getting what you don’t deserve but mercy is NOT getting what you deserve. If not for Christ, we deserved judgment and punishment, but mercy said “No!” because Christ took our place (Isaiah 53:3-5, James 2:13). Aside salvation, there are a lot of bad stuff that we deserve but for the miracle of mercy.
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). This is our daily invitation to mercy. God’s mercies are new every morning (Lamentation 3:22-23). It precedes Grace and Help. It is the answer to our weaknesses and insufficiencies. It is God’s provision for miraculous living. Don’t forget this, in Christ, God has shown you mercy; tap into it today and fulfil destiny!
© ‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria