I Samuel 17:53
“Then the sons of Israel returned from their close pursuit of the Philistines, and plundered their camps.”
Those in the army must still be amazed at their change of fortune. For the last six weeks they were mocked by Goliath. They were frozen in fear. Now they were returning from the battle as victors getting all their stuff. We will have this experience several times in our lives as we follow the Lord.
We look at our lives and circumstances and there are things that we don't even consider. We put them out of our realm. However, God often has different ideas. An example from my life was I was a mediocre student and was anxious in the classroom. I would have never thought to become a teacher. However, life's circumstances brought me in the classroom where I've been nearly 30 years as a teacher.
God has a different set of goals for us. While we know ourselves, God knows us much, much more. He knows what we can do as well as what He can to do in us through His power. He wants to bring us to higher heights and different realms. Areas where we would have never thought to go. Here's a support scripture, 'But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him"', (I Corinthians 2:9).
Some of this is maximizing our potential. The Lord knows how far we can go. In some areas, He will bring us there. It may be a career move, a relational advance personal or in ministry. These may be areas where we may never have seen ourselves go. God does it to glorify Himself, but He also brings us honor.
Other times the advances made are miraculous. These are things that we couldn't have done on our own. It's God's power. All done for the same purposes. To glorify Himself.
Jesus was our great example. Philippians 2:7 tells us that He emptied Himself, taking on the form of a servant. So while Jesus was God, He set aside some of that privilege and lived life dependent on the Father and the Spirit. Jesus did some things Himself, but others were miracles. He gave a great example to the disciples. People were healed and relationships restored.
The disciples walked by the Spirit. They did much as any person would, but God did much through them. They were special, as they were Jesus' chosen one to start the church and spread the message of the gospel.
God wants us to walk by the Spirit fulfilling who we are and He wants to do things is us we couldn't do ourselves. This is exciting to be on His team. We get to be used by God. Sometimes we are in difficult encounters, like the Israelites and Goliath. They were stuck and bullied by a giant. But God delivered them and they got the spoils.
Psalm 33:18 says, "Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope in His mercy". We to to trust and obey. It'll be a wonderful and wild ride with our Father who loves us.
God glorifies His name through these miracles and draws people to Himself. They are converted and the entire process starts again with those new believers. They are brought into tough circumstances, they trust and He delivers them. He is glorified, they are honored and more are brought to Him. This is His kingdom advancing.
Thank You God for Your love, Your power, guidance and provision. Help us to trust in the scary times. Thank You for bringing us to heights we never would reached and giving us things we would have never had.