Corona Devo 930

But after a while the Philistines returned and raided the valley again.  ~I Chronicles 14:13

Back in the Bible days, the Philistines were the continual thorn-in-the-side of the Israelites.  The Philistines were always after the Israelites...returning and raiding them (time after time), even after the Israelites had defeated them.  The Philistines just wouldn't go away.

We have our "Philistines" too, don't we?  

We gain victory (in Christ!) over the issue/situation/attitude/stance/conflict/person/relationship/sin/depression that habitually inhabits our space, and there is triumph and encouragement.  We see, experience, and are strengthened in our faith by God's undeniable presence and protection.  It's victory with the Lord!

And then after a while the enemy returns and raids us again.  (Can I get an "Amen"?)  The exact same thing was true for David with the Philistines.

This "faith" thing is arduous, isn't it?  (Arduous: involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring ~Oxford Languages).

Anyone (else) feeling the arduous effects of following the Lord today?  Are we putting in strenuous effort?  Is life-lived-for-Christ sometimes difficult?  Are we tired?

The "Philistines"--(in whatever form they appear in each of our lives and minds) do seem to keep returning and raiding us again.

But once again, as we did before yesterday's battle and the battle the day before...we can ask God what to do.

He's got a plan for us today.  He always does. (For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  ~Jeremiah 29:11). 

We might be tired and weary from the arduous assaults of the enemy, but we must never forget that God is moving ahead of us, and He has a detailed plan for our lives and for the battle today.  

What should we do?

David asked God what to do.

We should ask God what to do in the face of whatever is returning and raiding us again today.  And get ready, because He may get specific:

And once again David asked God what to do. 

“Do not attack them straight on,” God replied. “Instead, circle around behind and attack them near the poplar trees. (15) When you hear a sound like marching feet in the tops of the poplar trees, go out and attack! That will be the signal that God is moving ahead of you to strike down the Philistine army.” (16) So David did what God commanded, and they struck down the Philistine army all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.  ~I Chronicles 14:13-16

God has a detailed plan for us to advance toward victory in Him today.  David's enemies were different than the ones we each face today, but our Lord has a personalized battle-plan laid out for you and for me.    

Just ask God what to do.

And we should notice WHO struck down the Philistine army and WHO is moving ahead of us: God is moving ahead of you to strike down the Philistine army (I Chronicles 14:15).  

Day after day, trial after trial, thorn-in-the-side after thorn-in-the-side...God is moving ahead of us to strike down the enemy army.

Just ask God what to do, and wait for His instruction.

Ask Him...Seek Him...Inquire of Him.  And then, do what God says (commands). 

So David did what God commanded, and they struck down the Philistine army all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.  ~I Chronicles 14:16

Yes!  Victory!

We are here asking about Your battle plan for today, Lord.  Get specific with us, as You did with David.  Bring us details as we bring you our submission.  We accept Your Word as the signal that You are moving ahead of us to strike down our enemy army today.  We will do what You command, God.  You know that we are tired and weary from the arduous attacks of the enemy, Father, but we have tasted Your victory before and we trust that we will strike them down again.  Once again, we ask You what to do.  Amen. 


Blessings,

sarah

https://sarahsundy04.blogspot.com

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