Today, we continue our series entitled “Laser Focus,” emphasizing living with a Laser Focus on the Fixed Purpose God established for us before the world began.
(Proverbs 4:25 TPT)
Set your gaze on the path before you. With fixed purpose, looking straight ahead, ignore life’s distractions.
Scriptures for today:
(James 1:2-4 TPT)
2 My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties, see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can!
3 For you know that when your faith is tested, it stirs up power within you to endure all things.
4 And then as your endurance grows even stronger it will release perfection into every part of your being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking.
(Ecc 3:1 ERV)
There is a right time for everything, and everything on earth will happen at the right time
Setting the Stage. (Covering 1 Samuel 18:8-11)
Friday, we learned that Saul allowed the green-eyed monster of jealousy to grip his heart when he heard Israelite women sing about David’s exploits. All David did was kill one man, but the people attributed more confirmed kills to David than to Saul. Saul could have laughed it off. What did the ladies know anyway? But Saul did not laugh it off. He got offended and allowed it to alter his opinion of David. David had done nothing wrong to Saul, but Saul developed bitterness in his heart toward him.
The very next day, a tormenting spirit overwhelmed Saul. This was not new, for it had been happening since Saul disobeyed God. In the past, Saul would call for David, the harp player, and allow David’s anointed music to bring him peace. However, now David, the harp player, was David the giant slayer, a man of war and the people’s favorite, so things were not the same. Saul did not want to call for David anymore, and he attempted to deal with the tormenting spirit without David’s music. Sure enough, it did not work. Saul got to the point where he was raving in his house like a madman. David came to play the harp, but Saul’s bitterness toward David made the harp playing ineffective. King Saul had a spear in his hand, and in his rage, he hurled it at David, intending to pin him to the wall. But David escaped the attack.
Let’s look at this from David’s perspective. David went from obscurity to a national hero overnight. One day, he was delivering lunch for his big brothers, and the next day, he was living in the palace. On his way to the palace, spontaneous crowds erupted in his honor, and his trip took on a parade-like atmosphere. People David did not know were calling his name and making up songs in his honor. The prophet came to town, spoke a few words, placed a few drops of oil on his head, and now, less than two months later, it seemed like it was working. Whatever the prophet did, it initiated a move of God in his life that would change it forever. The only problem was Saul. David had done nothing wrong to Saul, but now, all of a sudden, the king who used to love him and his harp playing, was attempting to kill him.
So, what does this mean to you today? A few things:
1. The Poison of Offense: Cutting Yourself Off from God’s Blessings.
Saul’s reaction to the praise David received demonstrates how quickly offense can take root and poison our hearts. Instead of celebrating David’s victory as a win for all of Israel, Saul allowed jealousy to cloud his judgment. This offense cut Saul off from the very anointing that had previously brought him peace through David’s music. Now, even in the presence of the same anointed harp playing, Saul found no relief. His bitterness had created a barrier, not just between him and David, but between him and the peace God offered through David’s ministry.
How this applies to you:
— Recognize that offense is a choice, not an inevitability. Like Saul, you have the power to choose how you respond to others’ successes.
— Be aware that harboring offense can blind you to the blessings God is trying to bring into your life through others.
— Understand that your offense doesn’t just affect your relationship with the person who offended you; it can hinder your ability to receive from God.
— Remember that the person you’re offended with may be the very vessel God intends to use to bless you or bring about your breakthrough.
— Commit to dealing with offense quickly, before it has a chance to take root and grow into bitterness, potentially derailing God’s plans for your life.
2. Stay grounded in humility when you are winning.
Despite his sudden rise to fame, David remained humble, recognizing that his success came from God’s grace. This attitude protected him from the pitfalls of pride and kept him aligned with God’s purpose. Humility in the face of success is a powerful testimony to God’s work in your life and opens the door for continued blessings and favor.
How this applies to you:
— Acknowledge God as the source of your achievements and blessings.
— Cultivate a spirit of gratitude for God’s grace in your life.
— Use your success as an opportunity to glorify God, not yourself. If you humble yourself, God will exalt you. But if you exalt yourself, God will humble you!
— Remain teachable and open to guidance, regardless of your level of success.
— Regularly reflect on your dependence on God to maintain a humble perspective.
3. Expect and overcome challenges that follow success.
Triumphs often attract trials, as the enemy seeks to undermine God’s work in your life. Satan wants you to shift your focus from what God did or is doing to the challenge you are facing. However, God’s grace empowers you to overcome these challenges without being distracted.
How this applies to you:
— Anticipate spiritual opposition when experiencing breakthroughs or blessings. Know that satan will not stand by idly while God uses you mightily.
— Stand firm in your faith, knowing that God’s grace is sufficient in all circumstances – good or bad.
— Use challenges as opportunities to demonstrate your trust in God.
— Remember that trials often precede greater victories and spiritual growth. God will give you double for your trouble!
— Stay focused on God’s promises rather than the temporary troubles you face. If you maintain your focus, you can trouble your trouble by not being troubled by it.
4. Maintain your integrity in the face of adversity.
David’s response to Saul’s unjustified hostility demonstrates the importance of maintaining your integrity, even when others treat you unfairly. This steadfast commitment to righteousness, regardless of circumstances, is a sign that you are growing up in Christ. It reflects Christ’s character and serves as a powerful witness to others, showing that your conduct is governed by God’s standards rather than by how others treat you.
How this applies to you:
— Choose to respond to mistreatment with grace and forgiveness, following Christ’s example.
— Trust God to vindicate you rather than seeking revenge or retaliation.
— Continue to serve faithfully and excellently, regardless of how others perceive or treat you.
— Use adversity as an opportunity to showcase God’s character through your actions.
— Remember that your true judge is God, not people, and live accordingly. God will see to it that you reap a harvest on every seed sown.
Declaration of Faith:
Father, I stand secure in the identity You’ve given me, celebrating my unique purpose without envy.
I don’t take the bait of satan; I refuse to get offended. I actually grow to the point where I am unoffendable.
I choose integrity in all circumstances, responding to mistreatment with Your love.
I humbly acknowledge that every success flows from Your abundant grace.
In trials following triumphs, I remain steadfast, knowing Your power enables me in good times and challenging times.
Your validation alone satisfies me, and I glorify You in both success and adversity.
My confidence is in Your unfailing grace, empowering me to face every situation with courage, confidence, and peace.
I use every experience as an opportunity for growth and to showcase Your character.
Through Your strength, I trouble my trouble and am not troubled by it, keeping my eyes fixed on You. Therefore, GREATER IS COMING FOR ME!????????????????
I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word. Apply it and prosper!????????????????
