2 minute read.
Daily Reading: 1 Samuel 30-31 GW; Psalms 18 GW
Inquiring minds find direction.
When you study the life of David, you find him talking to God a lot. Especially when facing battle, David sought God’s support. When he pursued Bathsheba, another man’s wife, he didn’t ask God for direction; that didn’t go well for him. But when David had God’s support, he knew who to pursue.
Often, we don’t know which “raiding party” we’re supposed to pursue. Participation in every conflict isn’t possible; some debates are not for us to discuss. But some controversies are unavoidable. Discerning what we should and shouldn’t pursue requires God’s intervention.
God’s spirit within us helps discern which path we are to take. Internal promptings give us direction.
Politics is a “raiding party” for me. In a divided country, opinions are strong. Because political conversations escalated quickly, especially on social media, I prayed about handling this controversy. God prompted me to only engage in political discussions in person. Screens take the humanity out of the situation. God is about the relationship more than anything else. Person-to-person conversations help to alleviate misunderstandings and promote unity.
Defend your post.
We all have battles to fight in this world. Wherever you are, whatever you do, you have a position to defend:
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” (1 Peter 3:15 NIV)
Pursuing a “raiding party” isn’t going into physical combat for most of us. But God will ask you to have uncomfortable conversations with people. He will give you opportunities to talk about Jesus with people you never thought you would. Chase those raiding parties with gentleness and love. Enter into the conflict, knowing victory is God’s.
.
Lord, thank You for giving us discernment. Forgive us for not asking sooner. Identify our “raiding parties” to us. Show us which ones you want us to pursue, which ones you don’t. Then, as we defend our post, help us do so with gentleness and respect. In all things, let our words honor You. Let people know us by our love, which comes from You. IJNIP. Amen
Question for reflection
What raiding party is God asking you to pursue?
