1 Samuel 23.1-29

Reference: v. 3 But David’s men said to him, “Here in Judah we are afraid. How much more, then, if we go to Keilah against the Philistine forces!”

Explore: God had instructed David to go and fight the Philistines even though he was in hiding from Saul. He was basically putting his neck out for the Keilah yet continuing to fulfil his purpose from God to fight for the people. However, his men saw the reality of this step and feared going the extra mile. However David obeyed God and the Philistines were overcome.

Application: I often feel it’s hard enough to live life on a day-to-day basis, just following my own goals and plans. But then to throw what God wants me to do into the mix, I too can feel like ‘David’s men’. It’s hard enough here, how much harder is it going to be if we follow God’s call somewhere else? And yet I can never recall reading in the gospels Jesus saying, ‘Come follow me and your life will be a breeze!’ Quite the contrary. Again and again he reminded us that the life of a disciple would be difficult, dangerous and risky but… eternally rewarding. It’s easy to focus on the reality like ‘David’s men’ did, however we must be courageous to follow God’s path, not the easy road.

Prayer: Lord God, I can get so consumed in my own plans and my own daily to-do-lists. I stop now and focus on you. What would you have me do today? … May I be your servant on earth today. Amen.