Text: 1 Samuel 30:1-31
David and his men return to Ziklag, and when they arrived, they discovered that the Amalekites had attacked and captured their families, their possessions, and destroyed the city. In the midst of their grief, the men wanted to kill David. But David prayed to Yahweh, and God said that they should go after the Amalekites.
They did, they attacked the enemy, gained victory, and their families and belongings were recovered.
Why is this story here? What can we learn? Two things for now: (i) in Christian life there is opposition, not only from enemies but also from “friends”, (ii) particularly opposition to those who are called by God to serve Him in ministry.
Even as Jesus was rejected by His people, the Jews, and even as He was betrayed by one of His disciples and abandoned by others, for you, almost all of your opposition will come from within the Church. Be ready for it. Then do as David did in verse 6, “…But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.”
Meditate on verse 6[b]. How are you going to apply it to your life?
Almighty and loving Father, I come to You beseeching that You be with me always; and, in the midst of challenges, constantly strengthen me with Your Joy. In the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, I have prayed.
Amen.