Ordinary people, extraordinary God – David: Recovery and restoration

1 Samuel 30:1-19

How did God enable David to recover all that was lost. What did David do after he’d encouraged himself in the Lord:

1. He enquired of the Lord (vs 8) – David took time to seek God’s will. He did not react in anger or make his own plans. We csn learn so much from David here. Earlier David had not sought the Lord and fled to Ziklag (1 Samuel 27). How often do you ask the Lord before you make decisions in your life? It is important to know His plan, purpose and presence in all we do. Our steps are ordered by Him. We need to seek Him first in all things. We need to delight ourselves in Him first (Psalm 37:4). After David had sought the Lord he went out with confidence because he knew the Lord’s will and that the Lord was with him. God’s plans are far greater than ours.
2. He pursued the promise (vs 9) – David’s men were ready to stone him, but after receiving God’s promises they were ready to follow Him and pursue God’s promises. David had confidence to lead and they were willing to follow him. One word from God changed everything. We need to pursue the promises of God in everything by obeying His commands and putting them into practice. David did not know where to go, but he obeyed God and pursued his enemies and God directed him as to where to go. We need to keep our eyes and ears open to how God is leading us. We need to look for open doors. We need to keep enquiring of the Lord and keep in step with the Spirit. Serve God in the small things and God will open up bigger things.
3. Little people matter (vs 11-15) – If you are pursuing the promises of God it matters how you treat the people on the way. God can use anyone to guide us and speak right into our lives. Do not dispise the little people. God used the Egyptian to guide David. Be ready for God to guide you in the strangest of ways. Also,be ready to be used by God to guide others.
4. Courageous confidence (vs 17) – David and his men were exhaused. They faced a vast army. They fought for 24 hours without a break, but their confidence was in God’s promise.
5. Recovery and restoration (vs 18-19, 23) – Hod pays attention to everything. Nothing was missing. David brought back everything that was lost and more. God promises to restore everything we have lost (Joel 2:25). David knew it was God who had given the victory and restored everything (vs 23).