Message Topic: Pursue, Overtake, Recover
Preacher: Pastor (Mrs) Ejiro Otive-Igbuzor
Text: 1 Samuel 30: 1-20; John 10:10; Isaiah 61: 1-7
INTRODUCTION: John 10: 10 clearly states that the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy. In this text, the thief refers to Satan and his demons. A thief does not give notice in most instances. He/she waits for an opportune moment when the victim is not alert. In the same vein, robbers of destiny sneak cunningly into peoples’ lives when they are relaxed or in desperate need. Jesus our Lord was led into the wilderness and tempted of the devil after He had fasted 40 days and 40 nights. One would have expected the devil to be scared of someone who had fasted and on fire with the presence of the Holy Spirit. The devil knew that at the end of a fast, one thing Jesus needed was food and that was his entry point. Jesus won gallant victory over the enemy when He said “it is written, man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. On the contrary, Esau fell like a pack of cards when he was tempted to exchange his birthright for food.
What has the devil stolen from you either through oppression, sheer disobedience or carelessness on your part or spiritual slumber? Your health, Joy, peace, marital bliss, your child, spouse, talent, gift, breakthrough, energy, job, exam success, your opportunity, your God-given destiny? It is time to embark on a destiny rescue mission.
MAIN POINTS
1 Sam 30: 1-20 tells the story of David’s conflict with the Amalekites. The Amalekites invaded Ziklag and took the Israelites captive. Their wives, children and possessions were carried away and Ziklag was burned with fire. The enemy struck when David and his men were not prepared. Note the following key points:
1. V4 – David and the people cried until they had no power to cry anymore. What is it that has made you cry? Sickness, a wayward child, a bickering or unfaithful spouse, a failed marriage, loss of your earthly or spiritual possessions, business or examination failure, poverty? The Lord says – weep no more.
2. V6b – Despite David’s depression, he strengthened himself in the Lord. Are you depressed, frustrated, anxious or afraid? It is time to strengthen yourself in the Lord. In Psalm 42: 5, the Psalmist preached a message to himself – why are you downcast o my soul? Put your hope in God for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance. You need to resolve to praise the Lord in the midst of your circumstances. Remember that God inhabits the praises of his children. If you lose everything to the enemy, never lose the praise of the Lord on your lips. As you praise Him, you will be lifted. Your joy will be restored and you will receive strength to carry on. In addition, your praise invites the awesome presence of the Lord into your situation and He moves mightily to grant you solution. If you are a praise warrior, whoever contends with you contends with the Lord.
3. V7-8 – David inquired of the Lord – Shall I pursue this troop? Is it still possible to recover that which the enemy has stolen from me? The Lord answered – Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail, you will recover ALL. Are you on the verge of giving up on your health, marriage, business, children or your dream and destiny? The Lord says no. There is hope. It is still within reach. Pursue, you must because victory is sure!
4. V16 – The enemy was rejoicing over their loot but like one preacher would say, it’s not over until you win! David pursued and overtook the enemy troop.
5. V18-20 – Not only did David recover ALL that was stolen but he had his own war spoil in addition. When God causes you to recover, you will never be the same again. Your latter day will be greater than your former.
CONCLUSION: Are you going to sit down, whine and wail while the enemy rejoices over you? It is time to arise, embark on a destiny rescue mission on your knees in prayer to the Father. Obey Him as He instructs you in the way that you should go and watch Him move mightily to change your story, Jesus came to undo the works of the enemy (Isaiah 61: 1-7). At the end of it all, He will give you double honour for every shame.
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