Don’t stand around and ask silly questions when you’re in the pit or valley
I and my wife were sitting, having breakfast yesterday with some friends, which included one woman of about 72 years old. Her 50 year old son had just entered the breakfast joint so we moved over to accommodate him so he could sit across from his mother.
I quickly found out that he just lost his job and he went on to act like a complete ass. He did many things that marked that he was having a serious mental meltdown. One such thing was putting the jelly packets in his coffee. But it got worse. He started berating his mother in front of her friends and things got out of hand. His little boy, self pity party, had 101 questions of ‘why me’? And a general attitude, “Screw everyone now.”
At any rate, it made me think about the valley or pit that us believers find ourselves in from time to time. When we are in this pit, we could do two things: blame God or some authority, or we could respond and act in an obedient way.
A good example of blaming God is Adam. Instead of being obedient, Adam appeared angry with God, reasoned, probably asked himself 101 'why me' questions, and then actually blamed God by saying something like, “Well, if it weren’t for this woman you gave me…?
But a wonderfully good example that comes to my mind is the teaching involved in some of the stories of the Old Testament. I think of one of King David’s 3 mighty men, named Benaiah [story in II Samuel 23]. Benaiah found himself in a pit. Not only was he in a pit but there was a lion there with him. To make matters worse, it was a snowy day and the pit was slippery to get out of. By all accounts, Benaiah was having a very bad day.
How often, when we are in the pit, does it seem like there’s a Lion clawing at us? How often do we feel that elements are making it difficult to get out of the pit or valley? I bet we all could think of a few of these instances. Nonetheless, there is a choice and let’s let Benaiah serve as our model.
Benaiah, didn't stand around, complain to God, and get devoured. He acted by slaying the Lion and moving on. For him, the Lion didn't matter nor the pit or its slippery path out. He just recognized what he needed to do....and did it.
Although I’m sure it was a literal Lion, take heed, because Satan roams about like a roaring Lion seeking whom he may devour. You don’t think he likes joining you when you’re in the valley or at your weakest?
Mark my words, if you’re going through life’s struggles right now, there’s a Lion in your life. I’m telling you it’s there even if you don’t see it. It’s part of Satan's character to meet you at your weakest.
Are you in Benaiah’s pit right now? Is that pit slippery like in the time of snow with Benaiah? Don’t stand there, get out of it, be obedient with sword held high and armor on and slay the lion. It’s your duty. Do what Benaiah did.
Let this little devotion challenge you not to stand around in a pity party, asking yourself questions when you’re suppose to act and respond. If you stand around and do nothing, you will get devoured. That’s Satan’s plan.
Certainly those that are not children of God are powerless and condemned already as they search in the Dark.
But God has a different plan for his children. He has given them power to overcome the things in the world. As children of the King of Kings we have no excuse. We are royalty and we have been given power….and it’s our duty to our Lord to slay the Lion and press onward.
Remember, you’re in battle and as Ephesians 6:13-ff sez, take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for the saints.
Be watchful, be ready in armor, redeem the day.
Onward and for the Lord
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