1 Samuel 17:28,33(KJV)
And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle. And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.
It is clear we will always be faced with two choices in this life. That is, a choice to please people or please God, a choice to pursue our God given destiny or a choice to be discouraged and fail in life. When David got to the battlefield, he was able to identify his mission in the midst of an affair which appeared to be none of his business. Despite the fact that Eliab railed accusations of pride and naughtiness of heart against David, he did not deny them or defend himself; he only asked this rhetorical question: “Is there not a cause?” He did not change his language of saying he wants to kill Goliath. Even when king Saul tried to persuade him not to fight Goliath for fear of him getting killed, he was not deterred. He insisted let no man’s heart fail because of this philistine, I will go out and fight him. No wonder he boldly declared in Psalm 23:4 that though he walked through the valley of the shadow of death, he would fear no evil, because the Good Shepherd was with him. David ignored and discarded all forms of discouragement and hostility that came his way through his brother, Eliab, and through King Saul.
It is important to always remind ourselves that we are absolutely responsible for the outcome of our lives. When we lack mission and purpose in life, others will define our lives for us or will spend it doing irrelevant things. However, when we define our lives, we are able to live as ones commanded by God. People will always discourage us, especially the very ones who are close to us. Instead of getting discouraged, rather testify and boast in the Lord of all the wonderful things He has accomplished in our lives. In the same way, we should walk away from the people who try to discourage, control or accuse us. Instead of allowing what they say or think to take root in our hearts, we can choose to move forward into what God has called us to do in this life. Unlike David, many believers do not declare their faith because they are too mindful of public opinion. Their fear is how would people feel when they hear statements like ‘I cannot be sick’ or I cannot be poor’? Won’t they think of pride? However, when we declare positive confessions, we are planting seeds of life that will yield fruits for us tomorrow.
Beloved, you must ignore hostility and discouragement if you want to accomplish your desired goal in life. Don’t wait for people to understand before you speak, or you will die in failure and misery. Focus on your mission and speak the WORD to create your GREAT DESTINY. Learn not to consider people’s opinions or views above the WORD OF GOD. What they call you is not as important as what the WORD OF GOD says concerning you. Define your life and establish boundaries around you so you can go for only what will build, edify and secure your future. Take responsibility for your destiny and fight for the cause. Today, rely on God’s Support System and refuse to rely on your own strength. Always identify with God by presenting yourself as an ambassador of the Lord of Hosts and success will be yours.
O LORD, help me not to live a life without a mission, empower me to fulfil Your Purpose for my life in Jesus’ Name.