TUESDAY August 20, 2019
Testing a Man’s Heart
So he came to the sheepfolds by the road, where there was a cave; and Saul went in to attend to his needs. (David and his men were staying in the recesses of the cave.) Then the men of David said to him, “This is the day of which the Lord said to you, ‘Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may do to him as it seems good to you.’ ” And David arose and secretly cut off a corner of Saul’s robe.
1 Samuel 24:3-4
King Saul had come alone into a cave, unaware that David and His men were in that same cave! I believe God tested David’s heart. David had a great opportunity to come against Saul and take his life. David’s men tried to influence David to kill Saul. They encouraged him by saying, “This is your chance! This is the Lord!”
Why did David not listen to his men? David feared the Lord. He was a man of principle. He knew God had placed Saul as King of Israel. God put him in that position; and only God could take him down. David was not influenced by men. He was a good leader. David did not kill Saul. Instead, he decided to sneak up on him and cut off a piece of Saul’s robe. Saul did not discern David’s presence at all. He did not see him or turn to fight him! Afterwards, David quietly walked away.
As a leader, it is never good to become a man-pleaser. There are situations when you need to be able to make decisions to stop things from getting out of hand. A leader, with God’s wisdom, needs to work things out for the good. At times, you may have to make a stand that will not please everybody. God will honor those righteous decisions.
Understand, God is the one who checks our hearts by allowing difficult situations. How do you react and respond to them? Know that God is testing your heart.
God never uses anyone greatly until He tests them deeply.
~A.W. Tozer~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!