Seize the Moment – Day 769

HomeDevotionsSeize the Moment – Day 769
25
Apr '22

Seize the Moment – Day 769

Posted on Apr 25, 2022 by Jerry Ingalls in Devotions, General |

25
Apr '22
 

A Time to Retreat!

1 Samuel 27

 

Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Monday, April 25.

 

A difficult lesson that I learned in the military is that it is sometimes wiser, and more strategic, to retreat than to continue the advance. Even the best soldiers need to rest and regroup. David did this in 1 Samuel 27:1-2:

 

Then David said to himself, “Now I will perish one day by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than to escape into the land of the Philistines. Saul then will despair of searching for me anymore in all the territory of Israel, and I will escape from his hand.” So David arose and crossed over, he and the six hundred men who were with him, to Achish the son of Maoch, king of Gath.

 

David took 16 months away from Israel and its internal politics dominated by Saul’s jealousy of David. Saul was happy to see him go away. All the while David was retreating from Saul, he was striking down the enemies of Israel from within their own borders. It turned out that David’s time in retreat was more effective for the Kingdom than if he had stayed.

 

This is not only true in military campaigns, but also in the spiritual life. Jesus modeled this in Luke 5:15-16,
 
“But the news about Him was spreading even farther, and large crowds were gathering to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.”
 
Jesus set an example for His followers that it was best to strategically retreat for times of silence and solitude, to get the marching orders from His Father and not the clamoring of the people or the jealousy of the Pharisees.

 

Seize the moment and take time to retreat for times alone in the Word and in prayer with God. Rest and regroup with Jesus!

God bless you!
 
If you would like to receive a personal phone call today, all you have to do is dial the phone number below right now and one of us will call you soon.
 

YOUTUBE:

If you prefer a video, Pastor Jerry reads his devotion on YouTube as well. Click HERE to visit the page.
Videos are posted about a week after the devotion appears in the blog.

^