Discovering Who I Am, Endurance for the Journey, Featured

Then David sent messengers to get her.
She came to him, and he slept with her.
Then she went back home.
2 SAMUEL 11:4 (NIV)



“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”
ABRAHAM LINCOLN


Like most of us, David’s greatest challenge wasn’t battles or enemies or the daily struggle to survive. It was dealing with success. He stood on that roof, out of place (he should have been leading his army), out of time (this wasn’t the moment to rest on his laurels), and out of his element (he wasn’t battling an army or a giant, he was doing battle with lust). In his success David let his guard down.


One of the advantages of living with adversity is that we are so dependent upon God, so aware of our need, that we aren’t even tempted to go it alone. Success, rather than adversity, often poses the greatest danger to our soul.


David went from standing tall on his palace roof to lying on his face before God, begging for forgiveness for the mess he had made. His fall from grace is a warning and a reminder that our need for dependence upon God is just as great on the mountaintop as it is in the valley. As the Apostle Paul put it…



So if you think you are standing firm,
be careful that you do not fall!
1 CORINTHIANS 10:12 (NIV)



On the journey with you,
Dave Dravecky

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Endurance for the Journey, Faith, Featured

Once again David inquired of the Lord,
and the Lord answered him
1 SAMUEL 23:4 (NIV)



Is that how my life story will read? Once again, Jan inquired of the Lord. Once again, Jan refused to make a decision until she prayed about it. Once again, Jan chose not to act impulsively but waited for God to give her direction. Once again, Jan did not take matters into her own hands but fully released them to the Lord.


Like a boomerang, David always returned to the Lord. In season and out. While running for his life and running the nation. When he messed up and when he was victorious. And the Lord welcomed him every time.


So my prayer is: Lord, please cause my own heart to continually be drawn back to you, regardless of where it has been or what it has done. Don’t let pride or fear or indifference gain a foothold in me. May my dependence on you cause me to live a life that brings you great honor and glory. And if ever there is a narrative of my days written somewhere in heaven, I pray that it will include the words, “Once again …”



He will be gracious if you ask for help.
He will surely respond to the sound of your cries.
Though the Lord gave you adversity for food
and suffering for drink,
He will still be with you to teach you.
You will see your teacher with your own eyes.
Your own ears will hear Him.
Right behind you a voice will say,
“This is the way you should go.”
whether to the right or to the left.
ISAIAH 30:19-21 (NLT)



On the journey with you,
Jan Dravecky

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