April 14 – Reading 104

APRIL 14 – Reading 104

by John Christian Pra | April 14

“USING YOUR STRENGTH”
(2 Samuel 10:1-11:1; 12:26-31; 1 Chronicles 19:1-20:3)

“Be strong, and let us use our strength for our people and for the cities of our God, and may the LORD do what seems good to him.” – 1 Chronicles 19:13

David is now the King of Israel. While the long-awaited promise of David’s kingship has come to pass, the battles seem to only have begun. As he enters this new kingly position, there are still enemies that rise up and it’s his role to defeat them now. 

Alongside David we find Joab: nephew of David and commander of the armies of Israel. For Joab, strength was natural as he was raised to be a warrior. But the more important question is always, “how will our strength be used?” For each of us, we have been given certain strengths by God to use for the sake of His glory. However, the temptation remains to use our strength for ourselves. 

As Israel faces battle against the Ammonites, Joab calls to his brother Abishai and the armies he commanded and encourages them to be strong and to use their strength. To use their strength for others. For the cities of God. Joab recognizes the importance of stewarding our strengths not for self-promotion or advancement in life, but for the sake of others and the people of God. 

In the end, Joab reminds them that God will do what seems best to him. Our role is to have our strength available for God’s use and He will decide the outcome. 

Today, I invite you to examine what strengths God has divinely entrusted to you and, like Joab, redirect them for the glory of Jesus and the good of others.

Reflections: 

• What strengths has God given you in life?
• How do you currently use your strengths? For promotion, advancement, recognition? Or for God and others?
• What would it look like in your life to start using your strengths to help those God has called you to influence?

Application: 

• God has given each of us strengths by His Holy Spirit. 
• How we use our strength deeply matters to God.
• The best use of our strength is serving God and serving others. He will decide the outcomes.

Closing Prayer…
Almighty Father, thank you for your strength that is beyond measure. And thank you that you have given us a portion of this strength to steward in our lives. I ask today that you would reveal to me what these strengths are in my life. I repent of any misuse of my strength to glorify self or belittle others. Jesus, please guide me to places where I can use my strength for your glory and the good of others. For my home, for my relationships, for my work place, for my church, my strength is yours. Amen.