“The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.”

Proverbs 21:31 (ESV)

In ancient times, horses were prepared for battle alongside soldiers. These were not ordinary animals—they were strong, stable, and full of stamina, trained to endure the fiercest of fights. Yet Scripture reminds us that no matter how much strength or power one displays, the victory belongs to the Lord.

Many years ago, when I moved to a new country, I was desperately searching for a job. I gave several interviews, traveled to meet people, and kept preparing myself. During that season, I also gave birth to my child—still learning, upskilling, and trying to stay hopeful. There were many rejections and disappointments, yet I continued to pray and press forward.

At one point, I almost got a job offer, but at the last moment, the company informed me they didn’t have the budget to process my employment. I was heartbroken but continued to trust that the Lord was preparing something better.

A week later, I received another call for an interview. Honestly, I thought it would be yet another rejection. But that morning, the Lord gave me this verse—Proverbs 21:31. As I read it, a wave of joy and confidence filled me. I wrote the verse boldly on my whiteboard and told my husband with faith, “This job is going to be mine.”

On the day of the interview, a heavy snowstorm hit. Still, I managed to get there by taxi. To my surprise, the questions were much simpler than what I had prepared for. The interviewers were kind and warm, and as I sat with them, I sensed the favor of God resting upon me. Before I even left the building, one of them called the recruiter and said, “She’s hired.”

That victory was special—it came during a severe economic recession in the U.S. when many were losing jobs and homes. Yet God opened a door for me. He has faithfully kept me in that same team for over fifteen years and still counting. Truly, the victory belongs to the Lord.

Recently, I watched the victory speech of a woman cricketer who had just won the first-ever World Cup in her country’s history. She looked joyful—smiling, singing, and dancing in her older videos—but during her speech, tears streamed down her face. She shared how she had battled anxiety for years. Though she appeared strong on the outside, the real battle had been within. She was dropped from tournaments, her form declined, and her size made her an unlikely champion. Yet through it all, she built resilience.

She didn’t just win a championship; she conquered her greatest enemy—anxiety. While she prepared physically and mentally for the match, the true victory came from the Lord who helped her overcome her fears.

You too may be preparing for a battle—emotional, physical, or spiritual. Be encouraged today: the victory is yours in the Lord.

If you have been waiting long, facing rejection after rejection, and battling anxiety or hopelessness, remember—the victory is still yours.

Keep doing what you must do. Prepare, persevere, and trust that when the Lord shows up, He will give you victory in everything you put your hands to.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You that every battle I face belongs to You. Help me to prepare with faith, stand firm in hope, and trust Your perfect timing. Let Your strength carry me through every challenge, and may every victory in my life bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.