WEDNESDAY October 16, 2019
Strengthening Yourself in God
Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.
1 Samuel 30:6
David was greatly distressed. So far his men had been loyal, but now, in the face of an extreme difficulty, they quickly turned tail, and wanted to stone him! They were so grieved about the captivity of their families. Here are the same men who were ready to follow him unto the very end, and their loyalty had failed when tested.
David’s men were no longer in one mind with him. It could have been God’s purpose for David to come against the Amalekites and finish what Saul was commanded to do––wipe out the Amalekites. When David’s men turned against him, what did he do? David, facing a difficult place in his life; decided to turn to His God––not to man. He looked up to God. David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.
Christians can learn good life lessons from the life of David. We are all called to lead in some capacity, in the home, in the work place or in the Church. Other people may disagree with the decisions you make. They can even come against you. Look for God’s purpose in these difficult situations. Realize others may not see His plans; they are hidden to them. Turn to the Lord in these circumstances and He will strengthen you.
In ministry, God has been my great help in times of trouble. God is so good because he has strengthened me. The Lordis the one who encourages me. When other people have lacked faith, as a leader, I know what God has placed in my heart to do––so I go ahead and do it. It is important that I remain in the center of God’s will. I am at peace with God. Christians, need to learn how to strengthen themselves in the Lord!
We cannot hold a torch to another's path without brightening our own.
~Ben Sweetland~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!