Warriors Arise: February 1, 2023
1 Chronicles 15:11-13 (NKJV) And David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and for the Levites: for Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and Amminadab. 12 He said to them, “You are the heads of the fathers’ houses of the Levites; sanctify yourselves, you and your brethren, that you may bring up the ark of the Lord God of Israel to the place I have prepared for it. 13 For because you did not do it the first time, the Lord our God broke out against us, because we did not consult Him about the proper order.”
This is important to catch. After David tried to move the ark of the Lord from Abinadab's house to Jerusalem and Uzzah is killed, he sought the Lord. He left the ark at a safe place; but he returned to Jerusalem. It is so easy to make plans and execute them, before consulting with God. Our time is precious. God wants us to invest each moment wisely and intentionally. When it is a God thing, then it is fulled with uncontainable potential. David was not wrong to retrieve the ark from Abinadab's house. However, he didn't consult God on the proper order. David wasn't a priest. He didn't know the proper order of carrying the ark of the Lord. He was a warrior and a king. He knew how you bring back plunder from war and victory, and how to make an entrance into your home city.
He took ownership of the wrong, alongside the priests and the Levites, "we did not consult Him about the proper order." The priests and the Levites should have known how the ark of the Lord should be carried, but it had been out of their care for decades. Those who stood before David at this time might not have known; because it had been so long and maybe even before their time. I believe this is why David includes them in the "we".
There are times when our heart is set on accomplishing something with God and for Him. However, that doesn't mean that it originated from God. This is why it is necessary to consult the Lord. When God leads the way we are assured it will be triumphant. When we lead the way and drag God into it, God may offer grace, but that doesn't mean it was blessed by Him.
I have had to learn to hear from God. The best way to learn is to act upon it and be open during and afterward for God to make changes. He can even tell you to turn around. For instance, Balaam went to curse the children of Israel. The donkey saw the angel but Balaam did not. At least not until he beat his donkey and the it spoke, "Why are you beating me?" The angel made himself visible. Balaam chose to ignore specific instructions from God. I have learned more clearly from the times that I thought we God was leading me, but wasn't. It is humbling. I remember back to the inclination of where the idea came from. I lay it before the Lord and ask Him to show me why I acted upon it. He is gracious in revealing where, how and why I went off His path. I seek forgiveness and then continue to listen to His voice. Sometimes I had to go through many wrongs to finally identify when He tweaked a plan or gave me information I wasn't ready for. Things God has me do with Him are always in a fluid movement. They are flexible. I have learned He can't share everything with me at one time. He can give me a blueprint, but as we build toward what He wants done, I listen closely and make adjustments as He guides. My thoughts can get ahead of me, so I have learned to reel them in, ask God, and listen before moving forward. I have learned how important it is to remain teachable before God. He always has a reason for everything He desires to be done. Even if He wants us to be still. In being still, trust is built.
There are those wonderful moments when I know God looks upon what we have done together favorably. He delights in what we have accomplished. He celebrates over each person involved and the transformation in their lives. There are times when I still have to check and double check with God. I lay what is on my heart before Him and wait. For instance, we are on our way to South Carolina so I can attend my friend's funeral. Our friendship began in college and she became my maid of honor. I had no plan of going. I didn't even ask God if I should go. I allowed myself to feel the pain of losing her and in the end celebrated that she is in heaven with Jesus and her mother. But God, had plans that I didn't know about. Through a series of events, we are headed to South Carolina so I can go to her funeral. He has a plan. I am positioning myself before Him to make sure I follow His lead. Since this was not my idea, I know I need to be completely aware of why He is sending me. Monday night at a basketball game, a friend called and said, "Why aren't you going?" I proceeded to give her a list of reasons why I couldn't go. Then I realized I needed to ask God. She listened and didn't question me. God used her. If she hadn't asked. I would have missed this opportunity. Then a few hours later, my oldest daughter called and offered to go with me. That was confirmation to ask the Lord. This got my attention and I asked the Lord, "Do you want me to go?" I considered my daughter's offer, but I needed to hear from God. I consulted with Him Monday night and early Tuesday morning. She needed to know early, since she would have to take off from work, and not get writtien up. The plan unfolded within minutes and I knew it was God making a way and leading the way.
A couple of things have already been confirmed. I will be able to see my aunt who is in hospice and give my cousin a break for two days. She sent a text to me and said I was an answer to prayer. I look to see what else God has for me. God is incredibly faithful! His love is absolutely, without question amazing. I enjoy the road trips to position myself before Him and listen. I delight in this time with Him and look forward to seeing what else He has for me in this trip.
Father, I come before You and seek Your counsel. I want to follow in Your footsteps or at least hand in hand. I do not want to get ahead of you nor do I want to fall behind. I do not want to get caught up in the excitement and miss your counsel. I do not want fall back, so far I can't see what You are doing or hear what You want me to do. I want to see You and Your invitation to join You. I want to hear You and do what will bless You and others. I desire Your counsel to follow "proper order" and fulfill what You want accomplished and the lives your wanted blessed. I will position myself before You and receive Your counsel in Jesus' name amen.
A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,
Veridee Joy Hand
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