A few days ago, I had a dream that left me deep in thought. I found myself at a market stall, startled to see an old high school classmate selling vegetables. He had been the epitome of academic excellence, consistently sweeping merit awards. Seeing him there instead of a corporate boardroom defied my expectations. As I tried to process this, another familiar face emerged—another former classmate, impeccably dressed in a suit, stepping out of a taxi. He greeted me briefly before continuing on his way.

As for me? Well, whether I was a high-flying executive, a quiet philosopher, or just a master of witty remarks—that part remained delightfully mysterious. Perhaps keeping you guessing is part of my charm! However, what struck me most was the stark contrast between these two encounters, stirring within me a mix of surprise and curiosity.

When I woke up, the vivid imagery of that dream lingered, leaving me with a pressing question: What did it all mean? That’s when I recalled the scripture, “Time and chance happen to them all” (Ecclesiastes 9:11). It felt like the perfect explanation—a reminder of life’s unpredictability and the unseen hand of divine timing shaping our paths in ways we may never fully comprehend.

This verse states: “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 favor to men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all.”

At first glance, it seems to challenge the belief that success is solely the result of talent, effort, or wisdom. Solomon’s observation reveals that life often defies expectations, shaped by forces beyond human control—what he calls “time and chance.”

This idea teaches two critical lessons:

1. Humility – No matter how skilled or prepared we are, circumstances beyond our control often dictate outcomes.
2. Reliance on God – Success is not just about personal ability but also about divine providence.

Solomon likely wrote Ecclesiastes in his later years, reflecting on the complexities of life after experiencing unparalleled wisdom, wealth, and power. His words remind us that life’s outcomes are not always predictable or fair by human standards, reinforcing the idea that God ultimately directs the course of events.

This concept is echoed throughout scripture:

• Proverbs 16:9 – “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”
• Matthew 5:45 – “He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
• James 4:13-15, Psalm 31:15, and Romans 9:16 all emphasize the role of divine sovereignty in human affairs.

The relevance of Ecclesiastes 9:11 extends beyond scripture into cultural reflections, such as Oliver Mtukudzi’s song “Raki.” In it, he questions the concept of luck: “Where do you get the luck?” and later sings, “Pane vamwe varume vanorarama neraki, vasingazive pane muchengeti” (loosely translated: Some men live by luck, not realizing there is a Protector above). This aligns with James 1:17, which states, “Every good and perfect gift is from above.”

What appears to be mere chance is often God’s invisible hand at work. Life is neither fully within our control nor entirely dictated by randomness—it is governed by divine sovereignty, with outcomes shaped by His timing and opportunities.

As we navigate life’s uncertainties, Solomon’s wisdom challenges us to adopt a faith-filled perspective. Trusting in God’s timing allows us to find peace amid unpredictability and recognize His hand in every aspect of our journey. Humility, faith, and gratitude become essential, as we acknowledge that our successes and blessings are orchestrated by a loving Creator. In a world full of unknowns, may we rest in the certainty that God’s timing is always perfect.