Journey Thru The Bible! (1 Samuel 28 - 31)

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Let's read 4 chapters today and finish the book of 1 Samuel.

As we read the last four chapters of 1 Samuel, we see the death of Samuel, Saul, Jonathan, and many Israelite soldiers! We also see the near death experience of David's two wives and the families of the men who are his soldiers. In these exciting four chapters comes a variety of lessons we can apply today!

1) When God doesn't answer your prayers, here is a list of things you shouldn't do:

- Don't panic and make kneejerk reactions! King Saul panicked! It caused him to make an irrational decision - the decision to consult a woman who was a witch, whose practice was to call up the spirits of the dead! King Saul outlawed such things, but now that he was faced with going into battle without an answer from the Lord he was desperate! This horrible and tragic sin caused the death of him and two of his sons and most of Israel's army!

- Don't resort to the advice of un-Godly sources! If you're looking for an answer from God and He's not answering, don't resort to un-Godly sources. Seek the advice of Godly men and women who can pray with you or for you! Perhaps God is not answer you for the same reason He didn't answer Saul - there's sin in your life! Or, perhaps He is answering but you're not listening. Here's another idea - maybe you're looking for a different answer than the one He's giving you! Whatever the case, don't resort to anything or anyone other than Godly men and women for help. You can also start by confessing any sin in your life and making things right with God!

- Don't pray to the spirits of the dead! I've heard many Christians tell me that when God is absent they go to a deceased loved one for help. Many so-called Christians say they pray to Mary or to some deceased saint. None of these things are going to help you! When King Saul was given the opportunity to talk with the prophet Samuel, listen to what Samuel said:

- "Why have you disturbed me by calling me back?" (28:15)
- "Why ask me...? (28:16) Prayers are to be directed to God only!
- "The Lord has done this to you today." (28:18) Samuel couldn't do a thing!

2) When everyone's against you, find strength in God! When David and his men left for three days to engage in battle alongside the Philistines as they planned an attack on Israel, God spared David and his men from compromising their love and faithfulness to Israel. I'm sure David was planning a counter attack from the rear to destroy the Philistines. But, God saw to it that David was re-routed back to Ziglag - and it was a good thing! When they arrived in Ziglag, the city was burned and in ruins, and the wives and children of David's men of war were taken captive! In 30:3, it says, "When David and his men saw the ruins and realized what had happened to their families, they wept until they could weep no more."

In a moment of panic, David's men wanted to take out their anger on him, so much so that they were talking of stoning him! But, then comes a GREAT VERSE...

"But David found strength in the Lord His God." (30:6)

David knew that God's hand was upon him. He also knew that God was blessing everything he did. It just so happened that in the midst of all these blessings tragedy struck! Yet, he continued to trust God in the midst of this tragedy. He didn't blame God at all for what had happened! After prayer, David got an answer from the Lord to attack the army that took their families. Knowing God's will gave him the edge he needed and they were able to slay the enemy army and retrieve their families and wealth!

I hope the today's text blessed you! Have a wonderful day in the Lord!