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
(1 Samuel 18:28-30 NLT)
When Saul realized that the LORD was with David and how much his daughter Michal loved him, Saul became even more afraid of him, and he remained David’s enemy for the rest of his life. Every time the commanders of the Philistines attacked, David was more successful against them than all the rest of Saul’s officers. So David’s name became very famous.
Setting the Stage. (From 1 Samuel 19:1-7)
We learned yesterday that King Saul had gotten to the point where he literally hated David, even though David was married to his daughter, was best friends with his son, was respected by the Soldiers, and loved by the people. None of that mattered to Saul, and he wanted David dead.
Chapter 19 opens with King Saul urging his servants and his son Jonathan to assassinate David. But Prince Jonathan, David’s best friend, immediately told David what his father was planning. That was a dangerous move because Saul was so unstable that he could have ordered the death of his own son if he found out that Jonathan was betraying him. Jonathan, however, was willing to risk it. He said to David, “Tomorrow morning you must find a hiding place out in the fields. I’ll ask my father to go out there with me, and I’ll talk to him about you. Then I’ll come back and tell you what I find out.”
The next morning, Jonathan spoke to his father about David, saying many good things about him. He said, “The king must not sin against his servant David, for he has never done anything to harm you. He has always helped you in any way he could. Have you forgotten about the time he risked his life to kill the Philistine giant and how the LORD brought a great victory to all Israel as a result? You were certainly happy about it then. Why would you murder an innocent man like David? There is no reason for it at all!” Jonathan made a compelling case to the king, especially considering that the words were coming from his own son. Jonathan’s words got through to his father, and Saul vowed, “As surely as the LORD lives, David will not be killed.” Afterward, Jonathan found David and told him what had happened. Jonathan then brought David to Saul so that the two could reconcile. It seemed to work, at least temporarily, and David went back to serving Saul.
So, what does this mean to you today? A few things:
1. Divine Intervention and Favor Through Relationships.
God often uses people in our lives to protect and promote us. This is called “favor.” David had favor Jonathan, to the point where Jonathan was willing to go against his father for David. Jonathan’s intervention on David’s behalf demonstrates how God can work through relationships to shield us from harm and advance His purposes.
How this applies to you:
— Recognize that God may use unexpected allies to defend you, demonstrating His favor.
— Be open to divine connections that can provide support and protection as channels of God’s favor.
— Appreciate the power of godly friendships in times of crisis as evidence of God’s favor.
— Trust that God can change hearts, even those who oppose you, through His supernatural favor.
— Remain faithful in your relationships, as they may be vessels for God’s favor in your life.
— When God gives you favor with something, yes, you should be thankful to God but don’t forget to be thankful for the person as well. David loved and appreciated Jonathan!
2. The Power of Advocacy.
Jonathan’s honest and persuasive words to Saul highlight the importance of speaking truth to power. His willingness to risk his own standing, even his own life, to defend David demonstrates fearless advocacy.
How this applies to you:
— Be willing to speak up for others, even when it’s risky.
— Use your influence to protect and support those who are unjustly targeted. If you have influence and you don’t use it, then what good is it?
— Present facts and positive contributions when defending others or yourself, like Jonathan did on David’s behalf.
— When you present facts, it helps the person who needs to be persuaded (who is often offended and emotional) to take the emotions of it.
— Trust that God can use your words to change hearts and situations.
— Cultivate the courage to stand for truth, even in the face of authority.
3. The Strength of Covenant Relationships.
Jonathan’s willingness to stand against his father for David’s sake illustrates the power of covenant relationships. Their bond, rooted in shared faith and loyalty, transcended family ties and royal obligations.
How this applies to you:
— Cultivate deep, covenant relationships based on shared faith and values.
— Recognize the strength that comes from godly friendships in times of crisis.
— Appreciate the spiritual significance of true friendship and loyalty. Life is better when lived with true friends.
— Invest in relationships that encourage and support your walk with God.
— You won’t have many true covenant relationships in life, but make sure you cherish the few you have.
4. Steadfast Faith Through Adversity.
David’s decision to remain in his position, despite Saul’s threats, showcases the importance of standing firm in faith when facing opposition. Trusting God’s timing and protection is crucial in navigating challenging situations. Far too many believers RUN at the first sign of trouble or opposition.
How this applies to you:
— Resist the urge to flee at the first sign of trouble in your God-given position, especially when you know you are walking in your divine purpose.
— Understand that opposition doesn’t necessarily mean you’re out of God’s will. It may mean you are in the center of it.
— Develop resilience by facing challenges head-on with God’s grace. God’s grace will empower you to endure and overcome.
— Seek God’s guidance before making decisions to leave difficult situations. You may be walking away from your blessing.
— Use adversity as an opportunity to deepen your trust in God’s protection. Real-life challenges give you an opporunity to know God in a real way! This way you don’t just know God from a book!
5. The Wisdom of Strategic Patience.
David’s response to Saul’s threat demonstrates the importance of strategic patience. Instead of retaliating or fleeing immediately, David allowed Jonathan to intervene, showing wisdom in navigating a dangerous situation.
How this applies to you:
— If you live long enough, you will face difficult people and situations. If you develop the habit of RUNNING every time you do, then you won’t GROW into the man/woman God has called you to be.
— Practice discernment in responding to threats or challenges. Make sure you are hearing from God.
— Resist impulsive reactions that may worsen your situation.
— Allow time for God to work through others on your behalf.
— Trust in God’s timing for resolution and deliverance.
— Seek counsel from godly friends before making crucial decisions. Solomon taught us that there is safety in the multitude of counsel (Prov 11:14).
— Since God is not in a hurry (most of the time), then exercising strategic patience slows you down and gives you peace long enough to hear God’s voice concerning what to do next. Many believers get out ahead of God (jumping to conclusions) because they are too quick to respond.
— Walking with God requires faith and patience. Without faith, you will lose hope quickly. But without patience, you won’t stick around long enough to figure out what God wants to do in, with, and through you!
Declaration of Faith:
Father, You orchestrate divine interventions through relationships in my life where You have given me favor with people in positions of influence and power.
When I am the person of influence, I use the influence You have given me for Your glory.
I am a voice of truth and advocacy, speaking up for others as You lead me.
I embrace strategic patience, trusting in Your perfect timing for resolution and deliverance.
Your wisdom guides my every step, and Your love sustains me through every trial.
I am unmoved by opposition, knowing You are working all things for my good.
My confidence rests in You alone, Lord.
Your purposes for my life will prevail, and I walk in the assurance of Your unfailing protection.
I remain aligned with Your divine will, declaring that GREATER IS COMING FOR ME!
I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word. Apply it and prosper!????????????????
