Once upon a time, a long, long time ago when the mothers, soldiers, kings and towns and tent-men didn’t realize just how big the world is, but possessed a better understanding of just how big God is – a king lived in the desert with his family, going to and fro over the sands as this big-mighty, world-creating God asked.
He was a good king, listening to his creator and his creator was a good creator, giving good advice, always loving his children. Like a good parent, this creator taught his children much, including how to pray, provide, love and fight in order to protect what He had given them.
One day as he walked with the king, the king ordered him to take his soldiers, go hundreds of miles into the desert and fight a people that denigrated Him and His children. This father and husband gathered his soldiers and led them into victorious battle.
Riding back into their tent kingdom, they met silence. No livestock, no children, no wives. Everything had been stolen while they had rode to victory under God’s banner.
These men who had raised sword arms in victory, who until that moment gladly, proudly risked life and limb – all of themselves – to serve this king who served their God – dropped their loyalty like a dirty shirt. They rent their hearts for the loss of their wives and children. They railed against the king, surrounded him, killing-threats lacing the air, grabbing stones in fists to kill the one who had led them to countless victories, abundant provision, a honor-filled self-image.
The king slipped from their blood-thirsty grasps and ran to God.
Where he dropped to his knees, meeting his God right there – in the midst of huge loss – for what man cannot but drop to his knees at the loss of a good wife and a quiver full of children?
He beseeched God, reminding Him, “I went only to battle because you said, ‘Go’” – not for glory, not for gain – and as a result, I have lost all. . . . all. . .”
God seeing his faithfulness – to go when He said go, a man willing to risk all for Him and in the midst of the greatest loss of all who didn’t turn his back on Him – lifted him up, gave him the plan to redeem that which was lost.
The King trusting His God-Redeemer – went back to His men, took those strong enough, and led them again into battle and redeemed the heart of who they were:
“Nothing of theirs was missing, whether small or large, sons or daughters, spoil, or anything that they had taken for themselves—David brought back everything” (1 Samuel 30:19).
This mothering and fathering business is much like David’s business in leading his people – we are both trying to lead our family in a God-centered way – and that means letting God lead. When God says, “Go,” or “Do” – we go or do. Sometimes our children don’t grasp our decisions are God-designed. Sometimes the going and doing life God’s way sends us into battles we hadn’t foreseen.
Just as David’s children and spouse – and those of his soldiers – suffered when captured, so, too, does our family suffer when God sends us on journeys. He’s not surprised. He’s not taken off-guard. God is ever vigilant.
Just like David, when God tells us, “Go” or “Do”- whether it’s a move to another state, a change of schools for our children, a different church or simple changes in the daily like changing our conversations, building a raised garden bed, or taking time to talk to someone when our kids would rather we hurry up . . .
Our community might think we’re doing it all wrong – just like David’s thought – when their hands were itching to stone him. Our community might judge us poorly. Sometimes when God tells us, “Go” or “Do,” it doesn’t make sense to those around us. Sometimes I need to better understand that God’s directives for others are theirs not mine. They don’t need mine or your grace and support – but how much better the journey through the challenges if they have it. Yes, our self-image might suffer in the community – but, guess what? It doesn’t suffer with God.
When God says, “Go”, or “Do” – go with confidence for your family. The battle has already been won – it just needs walking through.
When God tells us , “Go” or “Do” – not a one will be lost because of it . . . not a one. . . .
What a beautiful story!!! Visiting from FMF
Thank you, Sarah! So happy you stopped by and enjoyed!
needed that reminder right now. In the midst of a “do” that is hurting…
I know that hurt in the midst of a “do” – Maybe they are the growing pains of our hearts and souls expanding to the size they were designed to be! Praying that you feel the love of Shaddai wrapped around you like a warm hug, that His Holy Spirit run like water over your hurts, seep down deep inside you and give you peace and strength to stand and overcome!
~Maryleigh
[…] Source: Not a One was Lost […]
I so loved this story approach of telling the story of David. Your words really encouraged me because recently I answered God’s “go” and “do” to start up a community ministry at our church. Its been hard on me. Mentally and emotionally, and spiritually, which means when you have 4 children aged12 to 5 it is hard on them too, not to mention the husband who keeps reminding me “but honey I thought you WANTED to do this”. But we are doing it as a family, which is what God called me to do years ago, before I had the fainest idea what “it” would be. The laundry and meal situation was deplorable for most of the month of June. I cried a lot from the sheer stress and spiritual attack of feeling like an inadequate fool. But I did indeed, like David, remind God, I am doing this for Your glory for the least as You commanded and led me…now You are going to have to pull me up out of this funk so I can take care of my family. And He did every time, and I know there will be more funks down in the mire, but I know He will show up again. Thanks for sharing.
Cheers,
Leah
When God says, “go” and “do” – the encouraging thing is He knows we can do it – that He equipped us for it and He doesn’t give us broken-down, out-of-date equipment. He gives us the best! After every go is a time of refreshing- that really helps me hold on in the midst of a challenge – that He will bring me to a refreshing point. You may cry from the overwhelmingness – but I love your courage and faith to stand right back up and not give up! You are indeed a warrior daughter of the King!
~Maryleigh
Your posts are so comforting … thank you for sharing this wonderful insight.
Thank you, Liana – I think when I’m writing, I’m trying to find comfort in what He’s telling me – and I am so glad it spills over for others!
I like how you did that! Bible storying. That’s what this was. Love it!
I so enjoy when you stop by. You always see something in my writing or my message – whether it is heart or God-art – a detail I that I am glad someone picked up on – and you do!!!! Thanks, Micey!
I really enjoyed story about King David. I think it touched on what makes us human; mainly, that we expect victories and not losses when we serve God. Good food for thought and great devotional writing!
His yoke is easy and His burden light – but that doesn’t mean His way is challenge-free – however, His way is always victorious! So glad you stopped by. Wishing you blessing this beautiful week!
Sometimes when God tells us, “Go” or “Do,” it doesn’t make sense to those around us.
Such a great point! It’s easy to look to our peers for reassurance and confirmation. And sometimes we might can get that, if God so shares the vision with them too. But other times, with or without the understanding of others, we must obey God at all costs. Not easy to do though, but definitely the right thing to do.
It is hard when people around you look at you with doubt, eye-brow arched and you can see it in their eyes – just exactly what they think about what you’re doing! Like you say, “We must obey God at all costs.” Thank you for coming Lisa – and being a wonderful voice to encourage the “at all costs.”
Forotunately the story did not end when his friends turned against him, God brought a final victory and not anything was lost. Thank you for sharing your lovely post with us here at “Tell Me a Story.” http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/
Thank you, Hazel, for encouraging so many of us to tell our stories – and for always sharing yours! If we stick with God, He never fails to pull us through to victory – it’s just a matter of not giving up! Wishing you blessing this week Hazel.
“Go” or “Do” is something God has said to me many, many times. I consider myself a “knee-jerk” servant. I’ll go anywhere, anytime when the Lord has someone who needs me. The only bad part is that I’m getting older and older and my energy, my brain, and my around-and-about ability is reducing. But, I still can do some, almost any time, any day. Not as strong, but my knee-jerk personality hasn’t gone away, yet. When I get to heaven, I might be used as a quick spread-around helper as His daughter. Thanks for sharing.
Isn’t that what He wants, Joanne? Someone who jumps into without thinking because we believe so much? Sometimes, though, that Go can have repercussions that like a hurricane blowing through, take a while to work their way out – but it is faith and hope in His faithfulness that gets us through. I love your get up and go – even if you’re not as strong. There are so many days I don’t feel as strong either – but I never want to lose that attitude like you have!!! Blessing sweet friend!
Oh – great application and metaphor of this David story in our contemporary lives. Yes – been there many times. God is so faithful though – thereby is joy!
Joy!
Kathy
My heart needed that right now. We are starting new things as well as waiting on others. Thank you for letting God use you!
Just shivers from this post. Oh how these words resonate in my soul…
“I went only to battle because you said, ‘Go’” – not for glory, not for gain – and as a result, I have lost all. . . . all. . .”
But what a beautiful promise, friend!! God redeems EVERYTHING!! Yes, yes, might we not forget that what we humbly sacrifice and give Him in obedience, He often returns to us a hundred-fold as blessings.
There are days I have to remind myself – and I go to him and I pray this – and he gives me peace. This story blessed me when I needed it – and it double blesses me now because I could share it and bring encouragement to a friend with it! Praying for you, Jenn!
Shalom!
Maryleigh