April – June 2023

“Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them, and without fail recover all.” 1 Samuel 30:8

David and his men were doing well until the Amalekites destroyed their homes and took their families captive (1 Samuel 30:1-19).

It is no secret that the devil hates us, and his plan is to steal, kill, and destroy with any opportunity that he can find (John 10:10; Ephesians 6:10-13).

So, what do we do?

First, we need to understand that the enemy will attack your family to get to you! The attacks could include losing your job, accidents, sickness, and/or strife. The important thing is to recognize how the enemy is working in the situation so that you can take the appropriate action according to God’s word (Mark 4:13; 20; 1 Peter 4:12-19)

Second, learn to depend on God, not people! When things turned sour, the same people who praised David yesterday wanted to stone him today (1 Samuel 30:6). Sound familiar? A good business friend of mine told me, “People are fickle. They can be all for you today and turn against you tomorrow.” We must learn to depend on God. Your strength, strategies, and solutions for living must come from Him.

In 1 Samuel 30:7, David said, “Bring the ephod to me.” That is what Israel used to get direction from the Lord. Today, the sons of God are led by the Spirit of God. We are to acknowledge Him in all our ways, and He will direct our paths (Romans 8:14; Proverbs 3:5-6).

Third, learn to talk to yourself! Joshua 1:8 tells us to meditate in God’s word day and night. Rotherham’s translation says, “Talk to yourself day and night the word of God.” Death and life are in the power of the tongue. Or you could say fear and faith are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21).

Words are like fuel: they stoke the fires of faith or fear within you. 1 Samuel 30:6 says, “David encouraged himself in the Lord.” If you want to get discouraged, talk about your situation. If you want to get encouraged, talk about the God who can change your situation. So, start talking to yourself the right way! (Romans 10:17).

Finally, God’s plan is total recovery! In 1 Samuel 30:8, God told David, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all.” We must exercise our God-given authority over the devil in Jesus’ name and bind him, resist him, and take back what he has stolen. We cannot let the devil steal the abundant life that God has provided for us through the new blood covenant! (Col. 1:9-13; John 10:10b; Ephesians 3:20 AMP; James 4:7; Mark 16:17).

Conclusion

These words—pursue… overtake… recover all—are your marching orders and God’s assurance that things are going to change for the better in your life!