Bible Reading: 1 Sam. 22, 23 & 24. Luke 12:1-30.
“Therefore David enquired of the Lord , saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the Lord said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah.” – 1 Samuel 23:2 (KJV)
God created us fearfully and wonderfully to fulfill purpose on earth. The question is how do you ensure you fulfill that purpose. The first thing to note is that God has a purpose for each and everyone of us. 2 Timothy 3:10 (KJV), “But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience” So if God knows your purpose, then the right thing to do is to ask God for that purpose. This explains why the bible clearly states in Luke 12:31(KJV), “But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Seeking the kingdom of God, entails getting to know the way of the Lord in every situation one finds himself. This is why David enquired of the Lord whether he should go ahead and fight the Philistines against Keilah inspite of his refugee status. And though the situation did not look good to the men that were with David, God asked him to go ahead and fight the Philistines and he went and won them.
In life, you have to continuously seek the face of God on the plan of God for your life and obey his directions to achieve the purpose. You need to understand the purpose of God for your life and plan towards achievement of that purpose. It is interesting to note that virtually in all situations, there will be challenges on the way but God is always available to make a way for you if you consistently ask him. When David was annointed the King of Israel, he was not told, he would have challenges on the way but to achieve any great thing, one must be ready to face hindrances. The good thing about hindrances is that God will always make a way to overcome such hindrances. However you need to ask Him all the time. This way, he will show you the upcoming challenges and how to get out of it. In other cases, he will fight your battle for you. Thus, in the case of David, when he heard that Saul was going to come for him in Keilah, he did not assume that the people he saved from the Philistines will also protect him from any aggressor rather he sought the face of God. In 1 Samuel 23:10-11 (KJV) “Then said David, O Lord God of Israel, thy servant hath certainly heard that Saul seeketh to come to Keilah, to destroy the city for my sake. Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? will Saul come down, as thy servant hath heard? O Lord God of Israel, I beseech thee, tell thy servant. And the Lord said, He will come down.” Thus he was saved from death. On the other hand, when David was holed up in a mountain and Saul was ready to go after him, God gave another assignment to Saul that made him to go back. 1 Samuel 23:26-27 (KJV) states “And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them. But there came a messenger unto Saul, saying, Haste thee, and come; for the Philistines have invaded the land.”
So, it is important you have a plan for your life. But such a plan should be how you intend to impact the world positively by your planned achievement. However, such plans should be based on what God’s purpose for your life is. And you should recognize that you will always remain on the right path if you continuously seek the face of God all the way!
Action plan: Please seek God for the purpose of your life and ensure you follow it prayerfully.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero