– Scripture:

David and his men burst out in loud wails wept and wept until they were exhausted with weeping. David’s two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, widow of Nabal of Carmel, had been taken prisoner along with the rest. And suddenly, David was in even worse trouble. There was talk among the men, bitter over the loss of their families, of stoning him. David strengthened himself with trust in his God. He ordered Abiathar, the priest, son of Ahimelech, “Bring me the Ephod so I can consult God.” Abiathar brought it to David.

                            1 Samuel 30:4,6 MSG

– Reflection:

              Defeat Not Defeated

In 1 Samuel 30, we read about the worst defeat David ever faced. Upon returning from a mission, he and his six hundred men discovered their city in ruins, their wives and children taken by Amalekite bandits, and all their possessions stolen. David’s men blamed him and even talked about stoning him. It was unfair that such a terrible thing happened when David was doing the right thing. However, God doesn’t promise that life will always be fair. It’s our response during these unfair times that determines whether we remain stuck and let it embitter the rest of our lives, or whether we move forward and allow God to work in and through us.

I open a gym on Sunday evening, and after the first game, we gather for a prayer. During this prayer, I ask God to provide safety for every man and young man in the gym and their families while we are gathered. I believe that this is something God provides while we are away. However, if any family is harmed despite our prayers for protection, we will have to deal with that situation. I believe that God covers us, but he doesn’t stop the world from being what it is. We must ensure that we have been honoring him and have not put any evil into the world, so that our prayers, as well as those of others, actually cover us.

Where do we go from here?

David became a champion by refusing to be defeated and instead choosing to recover everything that had been taken, and even gaining spoils from the bandits. He understood the principle that you have to get up when knocked down and not use it as an excuse to stop. Beyond the excuse lies growth and a new level of our destiny.

Our Prayer for Today

“Father, thank you for your power to strengthen us in times of unfairness, which is greater than any force that comes against us. Thank you that we can put discouragement behind us and push forward in faith. We believe that expansion is coming—something greater, something better. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”