David Inquired of God

1 Samuel 17, 23

Father, this morning I am thankful for: (1) the Sun family’s green light to minister in New Zealand; (2) job opportunities; and (3) this morning’s 5k/10k at the Air Force Academy.

And Saul said to David, You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are but a youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth. But David said to Saul, Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him. Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God (1 Sam 17:33-36).

Therefore David inquired of Yahweh, Shall I go and attack these Philistines? And Yahweh said to David, Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah (1 Sam 23:2).

Then David inquired of Yahweh again. And Yahweh answered him, Arise, go down to Keilah, for I will give the Philistines into your hand (1 Sam 23:4).

Then David said, Yahweh, the God of Israel, your servant has surely heard that Saul seeks to come to Keilah, to destroy the city on my account. Will the men of Keilah surrender me into his hand? Will Saul come down, as your servant has heard? Yahweh, the God of Israel, please tell your servant. And Yahweh said, He will come down. Then David said, Will the men of Keilah surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul? And Yahweh said, They will surrender you (1 Sam 23:10-12).

I am fearful and hesitant. Can I do the job? Am I qualified? Do I even want to do the job? How would the work-life balance be? Is it worth it? What is the wise thing to do? I am torn.

Like David, I can look back at prior accomplishments and say, Look what God has enabled me to do in the past. He can enable me again in the future.

If I say no, is it out of laziness or good sense? Or fear of failure?

I will inquire of God.

Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days. Give a portion to seven, or even to eight, for you know not what disaster may happen on earth (Ecc 11:1-2).

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly;... who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.” - Theodore Roosevelt

Father, thank you for opening an amazing door for the Sun family to serve you in New Zealand. I am very pleased with this. Thank you also for blessing our family in Colorado. Now Father, I inquire of you. Should I apply for jobs or continue what I’m doing? Give me wisdom as you did to David. May I act out of wisdom and not out of fear. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Today’s priorities: (1) odd and ends; (2) job applications; and (3) run a 10k.

- Jeff Coleman