Remember God's power to create and restore

February 14, 2025

Find strength in the Lord, knowing nothing is broken or missing beyond His repair.

This meditation delves into David's experience in 1 Samuel 30, revealing how he found strength in God when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. David's story provides a powerful example of how we can turn to God in times of trouble and find the strength to overcome. We'll explore practical applications for our own lives, learning to trust in God's power to restore and redeem.

Remembering God's Attributes: Life-Giver and Creator

When everything seems lost, when we feel stripped bare and empty, it's crucial to remember the very nature of God. He is the life-giver, the one who breathes life into dead situations. He is the creator, the one who calls into being things that were not.

Romans 4:17 powerfully declares:

"As it is written: 'I have made you a father of many nations.' He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not."

This verse encapsulates two fundamental truths about God: He resurrects dead things, bringing life from death, and He creates ex nihilo, bringing something from nothing. This is the God we serve, the God who is not limited by our circumstances or constrained by our limitations. Cling to this truth when facing your own "Ziglag" moments, those times when everything seems to have been taken away. Remember that God is not bound by what we see; He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.

David's Example: Inquiring of the Lord

David, feeling the weight of loss and the sting of rejection, didn't rely on his own understanding. He turned to God in prayer, seeking His guidance and direction. He inquired of the Lord: "Should I chase after this band of riders? Will I catch them?" This simple act of seeking God's will demonstrates David's humility and dependence on the Lord. He recognized that true strength comes not from within, but from aligning ourselves with God's purposes.

God's response to David's inquiry was a resounding affirmation: "Yes! Go after them. You will surely recover everything that was taken from you." This divine assurance empowered David to act, to pursue what was rightfully his. David's consistent attitude of pursuing what was lost is evident throughout his life. As a young shepherd, he fearlessly protected his flock from predators, as recounted in 1 Samuel 17:34-35:

"I have been taking care of my father’s sheep and goats," he said. "When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death." - David

This courageous spirit, this refusal to let the enemy prevail, is a powerful example for us. David's past victories instilled in him the confidence that, with God's help, he could overcome any obstacle. This same boldness should characterize our approach to reclaiming what the enemy has stolen. Just as David pursued the lion and the bear, we must pursue our stolen blessings with unwavering faith, knowing that God is fighting for us.

Conclusion: Nothing is Broken, Nothing is Missing

Through David's example, we learn that when we find strength in the Lord, our perspective shifts. We move from anxiety to joy, from defeat to victory. We recognize that our circumstances do not define us; God's promises do. Remember, nothing is broken beyond God's repair, and nothing is missing that He cannot restore. Inquire of the Lord, seek His will, pursue your stolen blessings, and smile at the future, knowing that God is with you every step of the way. He is our strength, our shield, and our ever-present help in times of trouble.

Reflect on This:

• How can you actively choose joy over anxiety in your daily life?

• What "stolen blessings" are you ready to pursue with God's help?

  
  

Prayer:

Father God, I thank you for your unwavering presence in my life. I declare that I am clothed in strength and dignity, smiling at the future without fear. I trust in your power to restore everything the enemy has stolen. I choose joy over anxiety, knowing that you are my life-giver and creator. Empower me to pursue my stolen blessings with boldness and confidence, knowing that you are fighting for me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Key Takeaways:

• Choose joy over anxiety, trusting in God's presence.

• Remember God's power to create and restore.

• Inquire of the Lord for guidance and direction.

• Pursue your stolen blessings with unwavering faith.

• Find strength in the Lord, knowing nothing is broken or missing beyond His repair.

All content on this blog is the property of Henley Samuel Ministries. For permissions or inquiries regarding the use of any material, please contact us at contact@henleysamuel.org.

To dive deeper into this powerful message, watch the full sermon on our YouTube video below.