Benescke Janse van Rensburg

What is the challenge you are facing today? Does it feel as if you are running out of options and plans to solve it? Here is a story that will hopefully encourage you today. . .

About 400 years after the Israelites entered the Promised Land, Canaan; Jerusalem was still in the hands of the Canaanite people, known as the Jebusites. We read in 2 Samuel 5, that one of the first things David did after he became king, was to gather his army and march up to Jerusalem to conquer the city.

There was one problem: The city of Jerusalem seemed impenetrable. On three sides of the city were mountains to protect it and on the fourth, big gates kept the enemy out. The Jebusites were mocking David, saying that he and his men will never enter the city. This made David angry and more determined to conquer this city.

God was with David and He gave him an alternative strategy. They found water tunnels up the mountain to the center of the city. While the Jebusites were sleeping, David's people walked up the tunnels to the center of Jerusalem and opened the city gates from the inside. In this way, David and his soldiers took this strong city.

Do you also need an alternative strategy today? In James 1: 5, we read: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” Also in Proverbs 3: 5- 6 is written: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” And in Isaiah 30:21 we find the reassuring promise of God: “Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.”

God is our Source of Wisdom. During a crisis, many times we are focused on the problem and the constraints, unable to look and think out of the box. God, however, can come and surprise us with a “water tunnel strategy” to solve our challenges. Let us be bold and ask Him for guidance and let us be obedient when we receive that strategy. God bless.

Father God, thank you for being able to lead me in every situation in which I may find myself. Take care of me and keep me and give me a strategy to better deal with  ( name your challenge) today. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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