Text: 2 Samuel 15: 30-31; 2 Samuel 17: 23
Challenges and trials are not bad in themselves since God uses them to build us up. During these difficult experiences, the deepest hurts come from those closest to us. King David was hurt by both his son and counselor, Absalom and Ahithophel. Ahithophel failed to understand that his role in the kingdom was to strengthen David's kingship. As long as Ahithophel sought to destroy the man he was called to help, he was digging his own grave.
This is a lesson we all must learn. God has positioned each of us to serve different people in various ways. We will betray this divine commitment as well as fail in our kingdom assignments if we allow ourselves to lose focus on account of unresolved personal issues. We must learn never to forget or turn from our primary responsibility. If we choose to become a weapon against the person God sent us to serve or the people of God, no matter how valuable our ministry may have become, it surely will dwindle and end as pitiably as Ahithophel's did.
We can learn from King David how to focus on the real issues. In spite of his pain, David knew how to bring this particular case of treachery before God. Instead of bemoaning his misfortune, talking needlessly and fighting with men, he promptly brought the matter before God. He remained spiritually attuned to the truth that prayer changes things and indeed, the king's remarkably brief but potent prayer turned this potential disaster into a victory.
Let us learn to report our concerns and challenges to God. Let us develop the discipline of talking more to God and less often to men - not merely during times of stress and turmoil but in all situations. It is prayer that stirs God to act on our behalf, not our tears or complaints.
Difficult and unexpected situations will continue to confront us from time to time and it is our prayer response that makes the difference. Learn to trust God in prayer.
These are excerpts from a devotion shared by the
Principal, Bishop (Dr.) A. O. Nwachukwu
during an Agape Bible College (ABC) contact.
