God’s Favor: A Magnet for Allies and Adversaries | 1 Samuel 18:14

Vince Miller Podcast

Do you feel attacked by adversaries?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are reading 1 Samuel 18. I've titled this chapter "Allies and Adversaries."

In this chapter, we will get an inside look into the King's house and see the chemistry between David and Saul's family. The tension between them is palpable, like watching an episode of The Kardashians. We will watch as some within Saul's family attach to David and others attack him. They either love or hate, fuse or frustrate, attach or attack, and all stem from the declaration in verse 14, which reads:

And David had success in all his undertakings, for the Lord was with him. — 1 Samuel 18:14

When the Lord is "with you," a blessing is evident. Sometimes, this blessing prompts reactions from those around you that are not always positive. Godly success can incite attachment and acclaim as well as attack and animosity.

This dynamic is no different in your life. If you walk closely with the Lord and pursue his will, you will encounter the same. People will either understand and attach or feel threatened and attack. This isn't a response to you (sometimes we think it is) but a response to God's favor, threatening others who want that success, blessing, and praise for themselves.

This is a reality of the Christian life. It comes with advocates and adversaries. Advocates who praise, support, and sustain us. Adversaries who are fearful, threatened, and conspire against us. It's critical to humbly embrace our advocates and be undeterred by the attack of our adversaries. Adversaries will unsettle you and draw out sinister thoughts and intentions, but your commitment to God when attacked by them is a testament to God's blessing and his continued success.

If you are being attacked by an adversary today, leverage these attacks to deepen your reliance on and relationship with God. Be faithful to his blessings and his success. Don't let adversaries draw out selfish and sinister thoughts and intentions. They aim to steal your success and blessings because they think they are possessed when they are not. Success and blessings are an overflow of an ongoing relationship with God that is stewarded and never possessed.

#FaithAndFavor, #HandlingOpposition, #BlessingsAndBattles

Ask This:

1. How do you respond to the success and blessings in your life when faced with criticism or opposition? How can you adjust your reaction to remain focused on God's purpose and avoid being derailed by negativity?
2. How can you better support and encourage others experiencing God's favor while also dealing with adversity? How can you be a source of positive reinforcement and avoid contributing to their struggles?

Do This:

Respond correctly to your adversaries without nullifying the blessing.

Pray This:

Lord, help me to remain steadfast and faithful even when faced with criticism or opposition due to Your blessings in my life. Grant me the strength to embrace Your favor with humility and respond to adversity with grace and trust in Your plan. Amen.

Play This:

Belong to You [Enemy Can't].