Welcome to the final chapters of 1 Samuel. We’ve read about the rise of Samuel, then Saul, and now we are reading about the trials of David as he prepares to become the next king of Israel. This chapter focuses on David as he roams the wilderness evading Saul.
Start by reading 1 Samuel 23 for yourself, take notes, and compare what you hear from God with what I see and hear. The Bible is alive and active. You and I may not see the same things. And if you’ve missed any of the past posts of earlier chapters, you can find them all HERE.
Let’s dive into 1 Samuel 23!
Leading isn’t for wimps.
It’s hard to lead. You are the one making final decisions on what to do, where to go, how to do it. Leading is hard enough, and then throw your people into the mix. And on top of all of this add your enemy (competition, dissenting voice, etc).
Leading isn’t for wimps.
David learns this lesson in Keilah. He hears of their oppression by the Philistines, and he wants to help. So he asks God, and he feels he knows the right decision to make. Then his men complain. David receives some negative feedback.
David has a choice to make. Listen to his men, or listen to what God said. I love David’s response…he does both. He takes the concerns of his followers in consideration, and he goes back to God,
“So David asked the Lord again, and again the Lord replied, “Go down to Keilah, for I will help you conquer the Philistines.” So David and his men went to Keilah. They slaughtered the Philistines and took all their livestock and rescued the people of Keilah.”
1 Samuel 23:4-5
David again hears the voice of God, and he moves forward – army in step.
There will be times you feel you know the exact direction to take in life, and other times you will be unsure. Either way take a step in faith. When you hear voices of concern from those around you, listen and look to God. He will direct you in the path to take. Be confident in what you hear God speak, and people will follow you.
People want to be led, so lead. Don’t be a wimp. They are waiting to follow…you.
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