In a fast-paced world, it can sometimes appear that a person prospers more by compromise of holy behavior, or by causing others to stumble, than by submission to the will of God. God’s Word reminds us that while the enemy wants you to feel alone in standing for righteousness, that illusion does not nullify the fact that God has servants who have never bowed to Baal (I Kings 19:18)- who are faithful to God’s commandments and have no record of failing therein.

These faithful would not be so without understanding God as their source. In today’s reading, David experienced the favor of God. We have a definitive witness of the source of David’s prosperity.

So David waxed greater and greater: for the LORD of hosts was with him. I Chronicles 11:9

Think about it: Can you imagine someone knocking at your door – a different person each day – saying, “How may I help you?” It happened to David.

22 For at that time day by day there came to David to help him, until it was a great host, like the host of God. I Chronicles 12:22

Though various kingdoms from time to time made war against the Israelites, there was deliverance when the King honored God.  Other kingdoms, animals and even insects came to the aid of God’s people! We see that God’s hand is never short that he may not “recruit” effective workers for His army.

The book of James tells us that every good and perfect gift is from above (James 1:17). This includes divine favor with other people. What you achieve in success or gain by favor, is a gift of God. Acknowledge and thank God for every good gift, including those whom He sends to help you.

40He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. 41He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 42And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward. Matthew 10:40-42

Shenica Graham is the author of RMC online and the Seeds of Promise series. Read her devotionals and go behind the music at wiseeku.wordpress.com. Subscribe to her Examiner column on Spiritual Living. Download her music app. Become a sponsor.

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