Defining moments happen on a daily basis in our lives, so the question is not, Will adversity come? The question is, What will you do when it comes your way?
David was at the lowest point of his life in this Scripture: Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.
This moment was telling him he was a failure, and his journey in the wilderness was all in vain. He came back to his home in Ziklag to find his family and the families of his men taken hostage by the Amalekites. In a moment of weakness, his men turned on him, blaming him for their trouble and heartache. In their human nature, they sought out the source of their misfortune, but it is in David’s actions where we find the hidden gem of truth that articulates God’s abounding love for us.
All the elements leading to a quick demise seemed to have come down on David. He chose to be strong in the Lord because he came to the end of his own strength and realized the source of his determination was not in his ability but in God’s power.
We will find adversity in some aspect of daily life, but it is how we react to those moments that will define our outcome. Adversity will attempt to imprint sorrow on our soul, but the Lord has promised us great things in His Word that will rejuvenate our joy. When the Word became flesh in Christ, the promises of God became tangible for us to obtain. As we gain His strength, we realize His strength has no limits or weakness. In our weakness, He is made strong in us.
There is greatness in you, but adversity will try to steal your courage and joy. Be strong in the Lord. When the storm comes, get your strength from above. Be stubborn in the promises of God for your life, and be immovable in your goals and dreams. You will succeed and you will achieve your dreams because God simply cannot let you down. Emulate David’s determination, and strengthen yourself in God’s everlasting love for you. Keep going!
(Photo courtesy of morguefile and dmscs.)
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Josh, Your devotion has deeply moved me. Sometimes I forget were my strength comes from and how we just need to trust God. As you said it is by his power and not our own.