There is a story in 2 Samuel 5:17-25 which is key ingredient in our victories over life’s challenges. It’s a story about having Courage to Trust and Obey what God tells you in the face of your enemies’ attacks. It’s worth noting that God works in many ways, some you would never understand until you muster the courage to trust and obey.
God is dynamic in His ways: at one point, He said “strike the rock for water“. At another point, He said “speak to the rock for water“. Same outcome (WATER), Same Object (Rock), yet different approaches.
At the red sea, He said “pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea” (Exodus 14:16), and at Jordan, He said “Give this command to the priests who carry the Ark of the Covenant: When you reach the banks of the Jordan River, take a few steps into the river and stop there” (Joshua 3:8). Same Obstacle (water), Same Mission (crossing to other side), yet different approach.
In 2 Samuel 5, the Philistines mobilized all their forces to capture David. As a new king, they thought their best shot was to attack him before he grows horns. But as they approached, David asked the Lord “Should I go out to fight the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?”v19. The Lord replied to David, “Yes, go ahead. I will certainly hand them over to you.“v19. So King David went ahead and won the battle. Hallelujah!
Not long the Philistines return to fight David. It would have been natural for David to assume that these guys were defeated foes and same strategy would work. But when he asked God about what to do, the Lord replied “Do not attack them straight on. instead circle around behind and attack them near the poplar trees. When you hear a sound like marching feet in the tops of the poplar trees, be on the alert! That will be the signal that the LORD is moving ahead of you to strike down the Philistine army“v23-25
Here we see the same enemy at different times and God used different strategies. That’s how He works. David had the Courage to Trust and Obey what God told him to do.
In the same way, your enemy will strike at the news of your breakthrough. The Philistines ganged up against David when they heard that he was anointed to be king but God helped him to defeat them. Remember that Satan will not smile at successes (because he wants you poor, sick, depress,…and most importantly to doubt God). He will orchestrate an attack. It definitely won’t be Philistines army but some old family foes, friends, bosses, parents, etc. But when you see the signs (that’s gathering of the armies), talk to God for direction.
Don’t wait for the attack to be launched before you seek God’s help because your faith may not be enough to stand.
Be like David and seek help while there is time. Again, you need the Courage to Trust the kind of direction He (God) gives you. Mind you that your victory over the enemy/situation doesn’t mean it’s over because the enemy will come back stronger. His aim is to stop you as soon as he can. Therefore each time you see the signs (or gathering of armies), be smart enough to seek the Lord’s guidance and He will show you what to do.
Understanding the dynamism of God is important because it would compel you to rush to God continually for directions in order to defeat any agent of Satan that comes after you. You are Victorious in Christ Jesus…Trust in Him to enable you win your every battle.
Uplifting Christ 