Worship

Scripture

When I felt the call of God to start a church in Huntsville I decided to ask a few of my friends what they thought of the town. Without revealing my intentions I asked their opinion of the town hoping to get a vote of confidence. After making a face reminiscent of sniffing sour milk, my friend quipped, “Who on earth would want to go to Huntsville? That’s nothing but a prison town.” Encouraging, huh? Dismissing him, I decided to ask another friend who made a similar face followed by a semi-joke, “Huntsville? There’s no money in Huntsville. It’s nothing but a college town.” As if the first response wasn’t deflating enough, the second one was the proverbial “nail in the coffin.”

I began questioning God and wondering if I was making a huge mistake. After all, if my friends were correct, our church was destined to be full of inmates and poor college kids (Not that that’s a bad thing 😎). While questioning and seeking God, I can remember the moment He so gently and clearly spoke to my heart, “Do you want to be where I want you, even if it’s not on Travel Magazine’s most desirable destinations, or do you want to go where you want to without Me?” The answer was clear and the fulfillment and blessing that has followed us by going where God wants is something I wouldn’t trade for the world.

David has found himself in a similar situation while navigating the end of His life in rebellion with Israel. In 2 Samuel 24, David disobediently takes a census of the people. God’s response to the census was a choice between a famine, fleeing from their enemies, or a severe plague. David makes His choice and then tries to offer a glimmer of hope to the nation in 2 Samuel 24:14, “I’m in a desperate situation!” David replied to Gad. “But let us fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is great. Do not let me fall into human hands.”

In other words, David is saying, “We’re in a lot of trouble. But at least we’re in trouble in God’s hands rather than without Him.”

What a powerful declaration from David. Life might not be perfect, but if God’s with you, it’s still better than being in human hands. I don’t know if you’re confused about your next steps or facing the consequences of your sin, but I do know this, you can choose to face it with the Lord or without Him. Choose the merciful hand of God and know that no matter what happens, His hands are safer than anything else.

Prayer

HONOR GOD

ASK GOD

What do you need to ask God today? What’s on your heart?

SUBMIT TO GOD