Obedience vs Skill

The Philistines were attacking. David wanted to know how to respond. His first inquiry of God revealed that he was to attack the Philistines straightaway and God would give him victory. David followed God’s instructions and gained victory. Shortly after, the Philistines mounted another attack. “So David inquired of God again, and God answered him, ‘Do not go straight up but circle around them and attack them in front of the balsam trees.’” (1 Chronicles 14:14)

David was a well-trained warrior, a strategist. Yet, we find that David’s dependence on God to direct his efforts was very great. In fact after he won the first battle, he went right back to inquire again. This is the most important lesson we can learn from this story.

How many times have you or I made decisions, perform our daily work and projects based only on our own skill and ability? How many times have we truly sought the details of God’s will in our daily lives? David could have simply assumed that since he won the last battle, surely God would give him victory in the same manner. No. David had learned that communicating with the living God is the only sure way of victory. His skill was not enough. He had to have God’s blessing.

How many times have we worked in our daily lives the same way each time only because it was the way we did the last time? What if God has a better way? What if God has a better plan than ours? “So David inquired of God…” These are the important words that we are to learn from. We must be in such relationship with God that we are constantly inquiring of His mind on every matter. When we do this, we can expect the same results that David achieved – success in our endeavors and recognition by God.

“So David’s fame spread throughout every land and the Lord made all the nations fear him.” (1 Chronicles 14:17) This is the reward of obedience to God. We do not have to build a name for ourselves. God will see to it that we are honored for our obedience. He wants to make known those servants who are willing to obey Him at all costs.

Excerpted from: TGIF: Today God is First by Os Hillman
©2003 by Acts29 Publishing, p 203.