1 Kings 20 is an interesting chapter for lots and lots of reasons.
One that intrigued me was the advice Ben-Hadad got after their first defeat. Namely that the god of the Israelites was one of high places, so the next battle should be able on a plain where the Israelites should suffer. As the story goes God gives His people a sweeping and resounding victory. Proving significantly that the God of the mountains is the God of the valleys.
Sometimes my experience of God looks to box him in. As though He’s very interested in my ability to sing and praise Him in church meetings, but He’s not interested in my debts. He’s keen for me when it comes to Bible Study, but He is not interested when I don’t feel my wife appreciates me.
Unsurprisingly, I may have glimmers of victory in church settings, but elsewhere is a clamber to just ‘stay normal’.
What delights me, though, is the more I practice it, the more I witness God being a part of my diet, work life, hobbies, relationships and other aspects of my life.
He is as much with me when I’ve been depressed or disobedient as He is when I follow His leading and live pure.
Victories as well come in different ways if I have the eyes to see them and respond to them in a godly manner. Sometimes the victory is the grace to see another day. Sometimes the victory is maintaining a respectful approach with disrespectful folks. Sometimes the victory is seeing broken hearts mended and hurt lives healed.
More victories are experienced when I truly embrace Him being the God for all occasions.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
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