When we think about success and wealth, we often look for big, loud, or famous examples. But God’s wisdom often shows us how to succeed by looking at the small and steady things in nature. The koach—a type of lizard mentioned in the Bible—is a master of its home. It shows us three secrets for how we can use the power God gives us.
First, people who truly succeed know how to thrive in difficult places. Most people see a "mountain"—a big problem or a hard challenge—and they want to run away or wish the problem would disappear. But someone with koach is different. They have the agility to climb those mountains. Just like it says in Psalm 18:33, "He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the high places." The lizard does not just survive on the mountain; it plays on it. You can do the same. When you face a tough challenge at work or in life, do not just endure it—look for the "footholds" and use the strength God gave you to climb higher.
Second, successful people know how to look at empty places and see opportunities. Most people avoid "deserts"—places that look empty, neglected, or boring—because they are afraid there is nothing there. But a person with God-given vision sees potential where others see only dust. Isaiah 41:19-20 tells us that God can plant beautiful trees in the wilderness, and Jeremiah 17:7-8 promises that those who trust the Lord will still produce fruit, even in a year of drought. If you look at a failing business or a forgotten idea, do not be afraid. With God’s help, you can be a pioneer and bring life to that "desert."
Finally, true success comes from being your unique self. The lizard is a very special creature that does not try to be anything else. This is how you should think about your own talents. 1 Corinthians 15:41 reminds us that "one star differs from another star in glory"—every star has its own special light. You do not need to copy other people to be wealthy or successful. When you stop trying to fit into a mold that was not made for you, you become one-of-a-kind. As Proverbs 30:24-28 teaches us, even the small lizard is very wise; it uses its hands to grab hold of its future and finds its way into the palaces of kings.
Supporting Scriptures
Psalm 18:33: "He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places."
Isaiah 41:19-20: "I will plant in the wilderness the cedar... I will set in the desert the cypress... that they may see and know, that the hand of the Lord has done this."
Jeremiah 17:7-8: "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord... He shall be as a tree planted by the waters... and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit."
1 Corinthians 15:41: "There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory."
Proverbs 30:24-28: "There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise... The [lizard] taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces."
Reflection
Are you waiting for your problems to go away, or are you asking God to help you climb over them? Is there a "desert" or a neglected area in your life that could be your next big opportunity? And most importantly, are you proud of your unique design, or are you just trying to copy everyone else?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the koach—the power You give me to succeed and create value. Please take away my fear of "mountains" and "deserts." Give me the agility to climb every challenge and the eyes to see potential where others see only emptiness. Help me to be the unique person You created, so that I can do the work You have planned for me. Use my life to show others Your goodness and to establish Your covenant in everything I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen