Dire Circumstances=God's Opportunity-Kristi Harris

Below is a note that Kristi Harris, a  facebook friend of my wife's and mine wrote.

Earlier today, the Lord led me to the following passages of Scripture:

1 Samuel Chapter 30
Daniel Chapter 2

I invite you to read the above passages for yourself. When I had finished reading them, this is what the Lord had me write down...

In these two chapters, we see mighty men of God responding to

terrible situations which threatened not only their reputations and influence, but their very lives and the lives of others.

David in 1 Samuel Chapter 30 is faced with the Amalekite destruction of

Ziklag. The city has been burned, and the women and children of the city taken into captivity, including his own two wives. In Daniel Chapter 2, Daniel hears that he, his friends, and all wise men of Babylon will soon be destroyed by order of the king if no one can interpret the king's dream.

Each of these men is deeply distressed by their situation. Each is grieved for

those who are affected and wants to save them, but each man also wants to save himself. Daniel was facing execution, and David's own people were talking of stoning him for what they apparently blamed him for allowing to happen at Ziklag.

Their responses of grief, distress, and fear are not to be faulted. That is the

natural response of men in such situations;even mighty men of God. But what they do next in response is what makes them men of valor. They refuse to be consumed by their grief or fear. They take courage;but not in their own abilities. They both move boldly into the throne room of their God to ask for His guidance, mercy, and provision.

Each man makes his petition to God for himself and others, then yields himself

to God's leadership. They trust that God can and will come through for them and those they are defending. It's this trust, confidence, and dependence upon God's abilities, not their own, that enables them to lead (i.e., follow through with God's instructions).

I see that even God's mightiest leaders do face serious trouble.

What distinguishes them when they do is that they take that trouble before God with confidence that He is going to hear their requests and come through as He sees fit. Their strength and ability are not centered in what they can do, but on what God says He WILL do.

People will follow in confidence those that are confidently following God. Be

bold in requests for guidance and provision. Expect trouble, and expect God to come through for you. Trouble is God's opportunity to provide breakthrough and deliverance for His people through His leaders. When trouble comes;especially when it's focused on you personally; expect God to make a way for you to shine as a leader. To the degree that you follow God with confidence and obedience, others will follow you with that same spirit. God will prove you to be His man.

TROUBLE= Opportunity for God to do something amazing
SEEKING GOD IN TIME OF TROUBLE=Opportunity for God to show you what He's going to do and call you into active participation
FOLLOWING THROUGH WITH ACTION=Opportunity for God to increase your favor, influence, and authority

Praise and Thanksgiving

Brian S: "To whom be glory for ever. Amen" -- Romans 11:36 Anything less is self focus, let's give Him all of it this week!
Dottie H: Praise to God for His Holiness The LORD is king; let the peoples tremble! Mighty King, lover of justice, O LORD our God, you answered them; Extol the LORD our God, and worship at his holy mountain; for the LORD our God is holy. (excerpts of Psalm 99)

Elaine S: I am thankful for God's provision in my life. No matter what may have been happening around us: job lay-off, medical expenses, unexpected household needs God has always provided. He has always been, and is the supplier of my every need.

Michele G: God is faithful! He is gracious and loving and patient. He is my Rock! He is my Lord! Blessed is today for He has done great things.

Dan T: Took an early out. Lots of things to get done before the snow fly's. What a nice fall it has been. To God alone be the Glory !!!

Steve C: I'm more interested in God's dream than mine..in My destiny only as it relates to His predestination. Thank God for the Holy Spirit who knows how to groan for what the Father wants.

Dave T: Today was a day just like every other day: He was faithful when I wasn't. 2 Tim 2:13

Hannelore: is praising the Lord for answered prayer!

CJ: A little disappointed, but I will still praise HIM!!!

Dave T.: GLORY! I am amped! There is a lot of Praise and Thanksgiving on fb today! People declaring His Lordship, His Faithfulness and their appreciationg for Him! ***Sing praise to the LORD, you saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. Psalm 30:4

Encouragement- 11.09.09

William C.: I have to laugh... I am loved regardless of my many imperfections - and when I go astray; his firm correcting hand affirms my adoption!

Steve C.: Those who engage the enemy without..will soon find where they have not overcome the enemy within.

Nicole B.: Two scriptures come to mind for me today: No weapon forged against you will prevail ~Isa 54:17 and I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears ~Ps 34:4

Dew D.: There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. (1 Corinthians 12:4-6)


Danny W.: Every fighter is looking for a genuine relationship with a heavenly trainer. If all you do is throw religion punches and kicks, those standing across from you will have no choice but to defend themselves. However, if you show the love of Jesus first, others will be more likely to receive what has already been placed in their heart from eternity.

Ramona R.: How the Father's heart must break for us when we are broken. We get only a glimpse of this in watching over our own children.

Encouragement 11.03.09

Darryl R.: We may not get it the first time around, or even after many rounds, but God doesn't give up His determination to help us get it. Whatever our "it" is today, God is presently helping us.

C.J.: God tells us that we will walk through some dark valleys in our lives and HE also tells us that HE will be right by our side as we do. And more than likely the blessing will be on the other side of the valley, and we cannot get it by going around the valley, we have to walk through it.

Dave: Perhaps people could stop limiting God to interrupt their lives only through the extraordinary. Believe it or not, God can use people just as easily as He can use an angel, a burning bush, a bright light and an audible voice to bring about the extraordinary in our lives.

Jeremy M.: Lets all stand up for Christ! Show the world that there are still God Fearing Christians on the face of the earth!

Annette N.: Seek first his kingdom!!!!!

Tammy H.: You know it is strange some people think they are better than others. But my God tells me "No way! I made them from dirt just like I did you."

Deb S.: Please don't judge me for the way I was 20 year ago. Please see me for the person I have grown to be and a new set of eyes to see more clearly and live a better life.

Mark D.: Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice! Philippians 4:4, NLT It seems strange that a man in prison would be telling a church to rejoice. But Paul's attitude teaches us an important lesson: our inner attitudes do not have to reflect our outward circumstances. Paul was full of joy because he knew... that no matter what happened to him, Jesus Christ was with him. Several times in this letter, Paul urged the Philippians to be joyful, probably because they needed to hear this. It's easy to get discouraged about unpleasant circumstances or to take unimportant events too seriously. If you haven't been joyful lately, you may not be looking at life from the right perspective.