Coming Out of the Stronghold

I have found when I become comfortable with my surroundings, it’s time for the Lord to stretch me. If the ultimate goal is to be more like Christ, then it makes perfect sense that this would be the case.

We find ourselves in a new (yes new, this is not the first nor will it be the last) season of growth with our business and ministry. We have received 3 calls, over the last 2 weeks, to stream several more events. To meet the increase demand, we must grow the company. That means we need more equipment and the right people to help. We have already found some of the folks, now we need the capital for the gear.

I sat down with my banker yesterday. That was a pretty tall order for me. I really struggle when it comes to asking for help in anything. I stopped by to make a deposit. I normally use the drive through out of convenience, but was led to go inside. I ended up sitting down with the branch manager. I spent 30 minutes talking about our company and the need to expand. It was a very encouraging meeting.

Regardless of the outcome of our financial request, I found another Christ follower with the same approach to life, seek Him in all things. That in itself was worth the time I spent chatting with her and once again showed me the benefit of stepping out of my comfort zone in life.

You have to get out of the boat to enjoy the adventure of walking with the Lord. Don’t spend your life making plans, it will pass you by.

Blessings

Coming Out of the Stronghold
by Os Hillman

…”Do not stay in the stronghold. Go into the land of Judah”… – 1 Samuel 22:5

David and his fighting men had been hiding in the cave of Adullam. He was fleeing Saul. Many of life’s down-and-out had come and joined David’s army. David was content to stay in the stronghold of safety. Then, God’s prophet came to David and told him that he must leave the stronghold and go into the land of Judah.

When life beats down on us and we get to the place where we want to hide in a cave, God often places people around us who prod us into moving in the right direction. He does not want us to remain in the place of discouragement. He wants us to move into the land of “praise.” Judah means “praise.”

I recall when I went through a very difficult time. It seemed to drag on and on with no change until finally I wanted to retreat to a cave and forget pressing on. It was a great time of discouragement. A godly man came to me and said, “You must keep moving! There are too many who are depending on you in the Kingdom.” I didn’t totally understand what he meant at the time. Now I know he was saying that God is preparing each of us to be the vessel He wants to use in the life of another person, but we will never be that vessel if we give up and hide in our cave of discouragement. Not only must we keep moving, we must move into a new realm. Our attitude must move from discouragement to praise. It is when we move past discouragement to praise that we begin living above our problems. Make a decision today to go into the land of Judah.