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In the Course of Time
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2/9/2010
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"It came about afterwards that David inquired of the LORD, saying, 'Shall I go up to one of the cities of Judah?' And the LORD said to him, 'Go up.' So David said, 'Where shall I go up?' And He said, 'To Hebron.'" - 2 Samuel 2:1 NASB
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Saul was dead. The civil war was over. Now what was David to do? It seemed to be time for him to take the throne as king. Many couldn't understand why he hadn't acted earlier, for the prophet Samuel had already anointed him as king.
But David had learned the importance of pleasing God, so he acted not when he could have, but "in the course of time" (NIV). David "inquired of the Lord" and acted only after receiving His clear direction.
David's life was a testimony to the importance of waiting on God. His psalms are filled with references to this principle. He wrote, "Wait for the LORD; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the LORD" (Psalm 27:14). Also, "Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him" (Psalm 37:7).
As David demonstrated, to be used by God, we must be ready to act...but only act when He directs. We need to be sensitive to His leading and guidance. And it's crucial that we remain patient: patient for God to prepare the way ahead of us, patient for Him to say the circumstances are as they should be, and patient for the time to be right and our training to be complete.
Make sure you are sensitive to God's timing for the steps you take. Remember that His ways are not your ways, and that His time may not be your time. Seek His wisdom for the decisions you need to make.
Don't make assumptions, but be ready to listen and wait. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, ready to act not when you want, but in the course of time, as He directs.
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| Prayer |
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Father, I desire to do Your will. Help me move in accordance with Your Spirit. Guide me. Teach me. Direct my steps. I surrender my life to You! In Jesus' name. Amen.
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| Extended Reading
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2 Samuel 2
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