"FACING LIFE'S GREATEST CHALLENGES"
Please open your Bible with me to II Samuel chapter fifteen and look with me at verse ten. II Samuel 15:10 “But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron. (11) And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were called; and they went in their simplicity, and they knew not any thing. (12) And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom. (13) And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom. (14) And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword. (15) And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint. (16) And the king went forth, and all his household after him. And the king left ten women, which were concubines, to keep the house. (17) And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off.”
Most people have to face some kind of challenge at some point in their lives. Sometimes it’s personal moral defeat. Sometimes it’s physical or even some-times mental suffering. Sometimes challenge is relationship oriented. For other people, it’s a stubborn disease that even baffles the medical profession. Some even have to face the loss of a family member or close friend or something similar.
Whatever the hardship you have had to face, let be begin with this basic premise. God is good. He is omnipotent. And He has promised to never fail you. Therefore, the one key to successfully managing your life when you are faced with a challenge that is above and beyond your control, your greatest recourse is often your last thought.
By that I mean that when the challenges arrive at your doorstep, it’s a temptation to do one of two things. One, we don’t go to God for His help. And two, we blame Him for what has happened. Both of these responses to the hardship are unwarranted and usually leave you all alone, in greater need, and the situation unchanged.
Here’s the King of Israel; the mighty Goliath slayer, a man after God’s own heart. Yet, like you and me, he is faced with a Goliath much larger than the Goliath he had defeated on the battlefield. In this case, the enemy is his own flesh and blood, Absalom.
Absalom, David’s third son, has taken the life of his firstborn son Amnon. And David has sulked for years rather than facing this reality by dealing with his son. He has refused to confront his son about this sin. He also refused for years to even allow him into the palace. He won’t speak to him or invite him in for a meal.
Most people have to face some kind of challenge at some point in their lives. Sometimes it’s personal moral defeat. Sometimes it’s physical or even some-times mental suffering. Sometimes challenge is relationship oriented. For other people, it’s a stubborn disease that even baffles the medical profession. Some even have to face the loss of a family member or close friend or something similar.
Whatever the hardship you have had to face, let be begin with this basic premise. God is good. He is omnipotent. And He has promised to never fail you. Therefore, the one key to successfully managing your life when you are faced with a challenge that is above and beyond your control, your greatest recourse is often your last thought.
By that I mean that when the challenges arrive at your doorstep, it’s a temptation to do one of two things. One, we don’t go to God for His help. And two, we blame Him for what has happened. Both of these responses to the hardship are unwarranted and usually leave you all alone, in greater need, and the situation unchanged.
Here’s the King of Israel; the mighty Goliath slayer, a man after God’s own heart. Yet, like you and me, he is faced with a Goliath much larger than the Goliath he had defeated on the battlefield. In this case, the enemy is his own flesh and blood, Absalom.
Absalom, David’s third son, has taken the life of his firstborn son Amnon. And David has sulked for years rather than facing this reality by dealing with his son. He has refused to confront his son about this sin. He also refused for years to even allow him into the palace. He won’t speak to him or invite him in for a meal.