"But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God." 1 Samuel 30:1-24 NKJV
It's not easy being a leader; when things are going well, the leader is everyone's friend. But when things turn sour, they may get shot at.
This was the case here. When David and his men came to Ziklag, they found that the Amalekites had burned the place down, taking their wives and children into captivity. Everyone, understandably, was distressed but David all the more. Firstly, he was responsible for his men being away from home and now they wanted to stone him and David's own wives had been taken too.
When the chips are down, the one in charge can always be at blame. Why? because it goes with the territory. However, David was a warrior, a man after God's own heart. Nothing would stop him from standing up. He called on God, thus strengthening himself. He knew God had rescued him many times in the past and would do so again. This was the difference. David never gave up.
He inquired of God about whether they should retaliate and God said yes, 'Pursue" v8. So he did and through a series of events, defeated the Amalekites and returned with the wives and children, victoriously.
Note what David did:
(1) He remembered his past victories, thus strengthening himself
(2) He prayed asking God what to do
(3). He listened clearly for God's direction
(4). He was then pro-active in battle
David was totally in control. He didn't flap or run away. He faced things head on, committing it all to God, and he didn't waver with God's direction. There's some lessons to be learnt for each of us here. It's so easy to throw the towel in and begin blaming other people for what has happened. Becoming bitter solves nothing. God is looking for fighters, not quitters. He wants giant-killers and this episode was a giant for David. Learn from it.
Notice in verses 22-23, that David's men wanted to punish the 200 men who were so exhausted that they didn't go into battle with them. They felt that having their wives and children back, was enough. They was not entitled to the spoils of war that had been gathered. David would have none of this and demonstrated God's compassion by giving them the same spoils.
This is the hallmark of a good leader. 'I'm not a leader,' you may say. Yes you are. As followers of Jesus, we're kings and priests unto God. (Revelation 1:6). So stand; learn to be a giant killer. When the going gets tough - be tougher; don't quit, go ahead with Jesus.
Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard
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