Direction Before Reaction

This is something that has been on my mind for quite sometime. I spoke about it with my people at our prayer meeting sometime ago and I had to come share it here as well.

This is for anyone that has ever been blindsided by life? One minute you are thriving and you feel like you have a hold on things, the next everything feels like it's burning down.

That is exactly what happened to David in 1 Samuel 30.
He returned home from battle only to find his city burned, families kidnapped and his own men ready to stone him.

Pain does that to you, it makes people point fingers. It makes you want to react.

But David didn’t.
He didn’t storm off in rage.
He didn’t lead from emotion.
Instead he paused. He strengthened himself in the Lord.
And then he asked God “Should I pursue?”

Before he took action, he got direction.

I want that to sink in.

Here are some things to remember:

1: Don’t Let Emotion Rush You Let God Lead You.

When we are under pressure, the natural response is to do something or anything. But spiritual maturity requires restraint. It takes out time to ask questions like:
“Have I asked God about this yet?” or "Is this the will of God?"

The fastest path is not always the right one.
Ecclesiastes 9:11 reminds us that “the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong…”
In other words, reaction without revelation is risky.

A friend of mine in Melbourne once received two great job offers. One looked better on paper. But instead of rushing, he fasted and prayed for some days and that resulted to him having clear direction and peace within.

Without inquiry, he could have missed it and probably ended up somewhere where he would have been unhappy.

2: When God Speaks Move With Boldness

God didn’t just say “pursue.”
He said, “Pursue, overtake, and without fail recover all.”

God did not only give permission, he gave a guarantee.

So many of us delay obedience because we are unsure if it’s God or just our own desires. But here’s a truth:
When peace comes with the plan, you can move with boldness.

Isaiah 30:21 says:

“Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it.’”

So whether it’s a text you are about to send, a business you are planning to launch, or a relationship you are about to commit to just pause ask God if this pursuit is from Him or from panic?

3: You Have a Guide Use Him

Hear this, David was not born again and he lived under the Law.

You are born again and You have the Holy Spirit inside of you.

Jesus said in John 16:13,

“When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth.”

That means:

You don’t have to guess or move blindly. You don’t have to be led by past pain or current pressure.

You have a Guide. But you must pause to listen.
Sometimes the greatest breakthroughs come in silence.

Here is a Challenge:

Before you act, inquire.
Before you chase, check in.

Ask these questions before you move:

• Is this response rooted in peace or pain?

• Have I invited God into this decision?

• What has the Spirit whispered, even if my emotions are loud?

Because here’s the truth. When God gives direction, He also gives grace for the journey.

I pray like an Eagle you will rise above every challenge. Your path will be steady and your heart will be anchored in His promises. Be blessed in Jesus name.

(Your Dose of Hope by Steady Okurame)