Recovery

David found himself on the wrong side of the battle. He stood in agreement with the enemy that would defeat Israel and kill King Saul and his sons (I Samuel 29). But God made a way out for David when he was rejected to fight with them.

So David and his men returned to their home in Ziklag. As they neared, something was terribly wrong. Dark pillars of smoke ascended to the heavens. The city was burned and all their wives and children were taken captive (I Samuel 30:1-3). His loyal and faithful troops were so distressed they threaten to stone David (verse 6).

What did David do in such a distressing and troubling hour? How should we respond when the precious, sweet and valuable things have been stolen and dragged away by our enemy? Did David blame himself for joining ranks with the enemy because he had no choice? After all he was being chased through Israel's back country by an insane king! Did David look for nearest exit to escape?

How many times have we squandered a moment of experiencing God's victory to recover the lost things or people in our lives because we run away or give way to self-pity and blaming others?

No, listen beloved, it says David strengthen himself in the Lord (verse 6). What does it mean to strengthen yourself in God? Simply recall all the times he's delivered you. Lifted you up, gave you hope and brought peace to your mind. How your prayers have been answered time and time again.

David recalled defeating the bear and lion while he was a shepherd. He recalled when God kept him from killing Nabal who refused him and his men provision. His wife, Abigail, spoke the very words of God that brought him back to his senses (I Samuel 25:39). He thought of how God defeated a giant and won a national victory. David remembered a dear friend given by God who happen to be the son of King Saul.

Beloved, you draw strength from God when you begin to recite God's goodness and mercy. Your eyes are not on the problem but the One who will provide a way through and into victory! When you recall God's history - not your own - you are preparing your heart for another supernatural breakthrough - adding to God's wonderful history of His unending faithfulness.

David must have looked up to the heavens with raised hands. "I know God you brought my life out hell! You set my feet on a rock and put a new song in mouth. You have come through time and time again because You, Oh Lord, are faithful. You never lie! So deliver me now!"

And God answered David in essence, "Go after them - run! run toward the enemy like you did with Goliath. You will overtake them and not fail to recover everything!" (verse 8).

When you strengthen yourself in the Lord, beloved, you have truly recovered a right mind, a right attitude and a right heart for God to work a miracle!