IN ADVERSITY, FIRST INQUIRE OF GOD!

Hello [subscriber:firstname | default:Beloved],

The Lord drew my attention to David’s attitude in 1 Chronicles 14: 9. When the Philistines threatened him, David, anointed by the Lord, inquired of Him. “…Shall I go up against the Philistines?   Will You deliver them into my hand?”, he asked the Lord.  Why didn’t David just ask if he should attack the Philistines? Wouldn’t the Lord’s answer to David’s first question be enough (1 Chronicles 14:10)? No, David wanted to ask for details to make sure that God was with him and that He would give him victory.
What is your attitude at every step of your journey when you face adversity, assailed on all sides, but hoping for a divine breakthrough?

The divine breakthrough we talked about last week is like a lamp that enlightens your path in the darkness. It is important, in the dark night, to keep every single direction enlightened so as not to stumble against an obstacle; hence the need to constantly seek divine guidance to enjoy the breakthrough. Even when David, after a first victory, had to face the Philistines again, he did not rely on his previous victory, as many would have done. “Therefore David inquired again of God, and God said to him: “You shall not go up after them; circle around them, and come upon them in front of the mulberry trees.And it shall be, when you hear a sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then you shall go out to battle, for God has gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.” (…) So David did as God commanded him, and they drove back the army of the Philistines from [a]Gibeon as far as Gezer”, the Holy Scriptures tell us (1 Chronicles 14:14-16). The second time David inquired of the Lord, he received a different answer than the first and this saved him from a huge failure.

The divine breakthrough we talked about last week is like a lamp that enlightens your path in the darkness. It is important, in the dark night, to keep every single direction enlightened so as not to stumble against an obstacle; hence the need to constantly seek divine guidance to enjoy the breakthrough. Even when David, after a first victory, had to face the Philistines again, he did not rely on his previous victory, as many would have done. “Therefore David inquired again of God, and God said to him: “You shall not go up after them; circle around them, and come upon them in front of the mulberry trees.And it shall be, when you hear a sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then you shall go out to battle, for God has gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.” (…) So David did as God commanded him, and they drove back the army of the Philistines from [a]Gibeon as far as Gezer”, the Holy Scriptures tell us (1 Chronicles 14:14-16). The second time David inquired of the Lord, he received a different answer than the first and this saved him from a huge failure.

In times of trouble in your walk with God, it is important to constantly seek His face and guidance and let Him guide you.   For example, you could ask Him questions such as: Heavenly Father, are you in this relationship that I would like to start? Do I have to say yes to this marriage proposal? Will this marriage be a blessing?”. And your God might answer: “Yes, I am with you in this relationship, but do not yet accept his proposal.x

Ask that you be just friends. If after three months he has persevered, then you will say yes, and this marriage will be a blessing”.  

Another example: Before investing in a business amid great adversity, inquire of your Heavenly Father. And even if He tells you that He is with you, seek His advice as to which partner to associate yourself with, or which people to hire as employees, or in which neighbourhood to set up the company’s headquarters, and so on. Even in the choice of the person who will do the cleaning within the company, ask His advice! He could save you from the dishonesty of someone you would never suspect, but who could destroy your business!

Do you understand, Beloved, the importance of asking God for guidance at every step when you are assailed by the enemy (Joshua 9:3-27)? Do not rely on your own wisdom but seek God’s wisdom. Keep the divine light shining at every step you take so that you do not stumble or fall. Proverbs 3:6 tells us: “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall [a]direct your paths”.  Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” Whenever you turn to the right hand, or whenever you turn to the left. (Isaiah 30:21).

Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established (Proverbs 16:3). That the Lord your God may show us the way in which we should walk and the thing we should do (Jeremiah 42:3) so that you may experience His glory!

May God bless you!