One of the things I'm noticing as we journey through Chronicles is that God keeps bringing us back to stories we've already read. At first, you might wonder why. But the more I read, the more I realize He's reminding His people and us of truths we can't afford to forget.
Today's reminder is one we all need. David wasn't looking for a fight. When the king of Ammon died, David did what many of us would do. He reached out to the king's son to offer comfort and kindness. It was a sincere act of compassion. But instead of receiving it, Hanun listened to the wrong people. His advisors convinced him David had hidden motives, and before long, kindness was mistaken for evil, assumptions replaced truth, and a war began that never should have happened.
How many battles in our own lives begin the very same way? Not because someone actually wronged us, but because we assumed they did.
Not because we knew the truth, but because we listened to the wrong voices. Not because God was leading us into a battle, but because pride, fear, hurt, or insecurity led us there instead. Ouch right. Our own insecurities created a battle we were never meant to fight.
I've learned that not every thought that creeps into my head deserves my agreement, and not every opinion deserves my attention. The voices we choose to listen to will shape the direction we walk.
Then we get to chapter 20, and once again we're reminded that God gave His people victory even over giants. I don't think it's a coincidence that these chapters are side by side.
First we're reminded not to create unnecessary battles. Then we're reminded that when the real battles come, God is faithful to fight with us. There's a big difference between the battles we manufacture and the battles God calls us to face. One drains us and the other grows our faith.
We need to remember to slow down before we react. To pray before we speak. To ask questions before we assume. To choose humility over pride and peace over proving we're right.
And if you're in the middle of a real battle today, the kind you didn't ask for and couldn't avoid, don't forget the second reminder from today's reading. The same God who gave David victory is still fighting for His people today.
Chronicles keeps reminding us because we keep forgetting. So today lets remember. Choose who you listen to wisely. Choose peace whenever possible. And trust God with the battles that truly belong to Him.
Love Pastor Mandy
MandiesDandies / Ark of Hope
Daily reading 1 Chronicles 19-20
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