When it begins with God, it ends in victory. When it begins with me, it leads to defeat. Apply this truth to your day, your business, and your relationships. If it starts with God—your day, career, or relationships—it will ultimately end in victory, even if it includes seasons of defeat.

For instance, if it began with God, there may be a time of hardship (a silent Saturday, a bloody cross), but it will end in victory (an empty tomb). Take Samson as an example. Born supernaturally to a mother who was barren, an angel appeared to announce her pregnancy. Her husband was absent, but when he returned, she shared the incredible news. He questioned it, but the angel returned to say that this child would be special. Raised in a unique way, Samson was destined to do great things, as God had given him to the nation.

When something is given by God, it must be guarded. Samson’s strength was evident when he used a donkey’s jawbone to defeat his enemies. However, despite witnessing such a mighty act of God, Samson made a mistake. After this extraordinary victory, instead of praising God, he focused on the tool he used—a donkey’s jawbone. He even created a song about it, saying, “With a donkey’s jawbone, I have slain a thousand men.”

Why focus on the jawbone when it was God who enabled Samson to defeat his enemies? Why glorify the tool and not the Creator? Sometimes, we, too, can get distracted by the things God uses in our lives and start to think that they define our greatness. We forget that it’s not the tool, but the power of God that made it work.

Samson’s song was all about the jawbone, the enemy, and himself, but where was God in the song? He was the one who made the miracle possible. Don’t praise the tool, but the Creator who made the miracle happen. The jawbone was just a means; God was the source of victory. Likewise, don’t depend on the things that don’t make sense; trust in the one who uses even the most unlikely means to bring victory.

God has done incredible things in your life through unlikely circumstances. When you reflect on it, remember it was God, not the means, that made the difference. If God had not intervened, you wouldn’t even be here. So, instead of worshiping the method, turn your focus to the one who provided it, and shift your spirit to praise Him.