Back in September, we read David’s story
It was a story about loss, and persistence, and restoration.
Here it is again, in a nutshell;
David – Returned home to find that his entire village had been destroyed. Not one living thing was left, not one building standing. His wife and children were taken away, and he had no way of knowing whether they were alive or dead. Here’s what David (and his men) did. You can read this account in 1 Samuel 30. Here’s what he did –
1. He wept bitterly, until all of his strength was gone.
2. He then found strength in the Lord his God.
3. He inquired of the Lord to see what he should do (He prayed)
4. He took a portion of his men with him and pursued the enemy. He got EVERYTHING back, and then some. God honored the fact that he did not quit, but that he and a small number believed God could restore. (Nation, Families, Finances, Churches)
Now here is another story, this time about Daniel;
Daniel – Chapter 9. Now Daniel finished reading the scrolls and saw that the captivity was coming to an end. He could have said hip-hip-hooray and stopped praying, but he didn’t. He didn’t stop crying out to God, he called out to God what He had already promised! Three things he did –
1. He repented, for his sin AND the sin of his people.
2. He interceded. He took the promises of God’s word and brought them before Him all the more.
3. He gave thanks. He gave thanks for what He had done and what He would do. He thanked Him for His promises and covenants.
Both of these men could have given up. They could have stopped. They could have taken the freedom God gave them, and hidden themselves away. They never would have gotten the promises of God fulfilled in their lives.
Instead, they were persistent. First in their belief that God would care for them, and then, in their tenacity to continue moving forward, through pain and loss, to receive the prize at the end of the line.
The questions here for you and I are these;
- Will we persist?
- Will we believe God?
- Will we go on until we reach the prize?
To be sure, there are prizes here on this earth that are worth fighting for, but in reality, they will all fade away.
My persistence will lead not only to some of these, but to the ultimate prize – Living in the Presence of God. In His kingdom. Forever.
Pretty sure of this am I?
Yes.
Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33
Significant Encounters 