Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 01, 2023: SOAP #4897: 1Chronicles 14, 15; Psalm 132; Matthew 18

The Importance of KNOWING God’s Will!  (repeat from 2021)

SCRIPTURE:  1Chronicles (NIV) 14:2 And David knew that the LORD had established him as king over Israel … 
9 Now the Philistines had come and raided the Valley of Rephaim; 10 so David enquired of God: “Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?” The LORD answered him, “Go, I will hand them over to you.” 11 So David and his men went up to Baal Perazim, and there he defeated them … .
13 Once more the Philistines raided the valley; 14 so David enquired of God again, and God answered 16 So David did as God commanded him, and they struck down the Philistine army, all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.

OBSERVATION:  David’s success began in verse 2.  David knew that the LORD had set him as king.  David’s kingship was God’s idea and God’s doing. So, when David was faced with the Philistine attack, David knew where to go.  He did not get counsel from advisors and counselors knowledgeable of warfare and the Philistines.  He went to the One Who set him as king.

APPLICATION:  Two problems I see:  First: I lack confidence that I am where He wants.  But when God places me under authority (in a church or at work) it is His will that I submit joyfully “as unto the Lord.”  I need to know that God has me where He wants me, and He can get me where He wants me next. Second: I often depend on my own strength and wisdom when I encounter trouble.  I depend on others to do what God wants to do.  When I started that ministry, I wanted God to be glorified in my life.  So, God brings me trouble beyond my capability and needs beyond my resources.  He wants me to depend on Him.  Oh, yes, I will pray and ask God to supply, but I cannot spend too much time in prayer as I need to be contacting others for help or resources.  But when I only ask Him, then, when the answer comes, only He gets the glory!  And everyone knows it came from God!  

Success in ministry begins with knowing I am in God’s will.  With that issue settled, I know I can trust God to provide what is needed. 

PRAYER:   Lord, knowing that you have set me where you want me gives me confidence.  But your goal is not my failure but my learning to depend on you.   I have confidence that you will be glorified by working through the needs before me today.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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