Don’t Back Down

“So David inquired of the Lord, saying ‘Shall I pursue this troop? Shall I overtake them?’ And He answered him, ‘Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all.'” — 1 Samuel 30:8 (NKJV)

Are the current situations of life weighing you down? Are you struggling to find the good during this time? Are you questioning whether you should continue or not?

If you have recently found yourself in a difficult position and are thinking about giving up, my advice to you is not only to continue but to press forward with greater intensity. In doing so, you will not only thrive, but you will recover all that you have lost. Like you, David found himself in a situation where he lost more than he could handle on his own, and even his life was in danger. After facing rejection and humiliation by the Philistines, he returned to his home to find that invaders had burned it to the ground and they had taken the women, including his wives and children captive (1 Samuel 29, 30:1-6.) However, instead of throwing a pity party, David strengthened himself in the Lord, sought God’s wisdom, and pursued the invaders. In the end, David was able to recover all that he lost.

The devil’s job is to attempt to steal, kill, and destroy us, but Jesus came that we may have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10). Where sin abounds, grace abounds much more (Romans 5:20). The greater the defeat, the greater the restoration. In the end, the devil can do nothing to hinder you from what God has planned for your life.

How do you pursue and recover?

1. Do not pursue out of anger or revenge
2. Do not rely on your own strength
3. Prepare yourself for trials
4. Start with the low hanging fruits
5. Trust God for miracles
6. Do not be intimidated or afraid of failure
7. Do not fear success

As you pursue, know that it will take faith. For without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6.) Furthermore, once you recover, do not become selfish, but be generous with the spoils and be a blessing to others, even those who may not have helped along the way. Once David recovered all, some of his men felt they should not share their spoils with those who did not help. However, David, a man after God’s own heart, rebuked them and said they would all share alike (1 Samuel 30:21-25.) Leadership is not based on how well you can protect and avenge yourself, but rather on your ability to be an instrument of inspiration and a blessing to others, no matter what your circumstances or what they have done to you.

Are you ready for complete restoration? Are you willing to share with others once you have been restored? Pursue, and you will surely recover all.

My prayer for you is that God will give you the grace and courage to pursue to recover all that you have lost and that He will use you to be a blessing to others.