EPISODE 1045 – REFUSE TO BE DISTRACTED
Apostle Benjamin Nana Amissah AnsahCHRIST COMMONWEALTH-COMMUNITY
The Love-Life Agency
REFUSE TO BE DISTRACTED
“Eliab, his older brother, heard David fraternizing with the men and lost his temper: “What are you doing here! Why aren’t you minding your own business, tending that scrawny flock of sheep? I know what you’re up to. You’ve come down here to see the sights, hoping for a ringside seat at a bloody battle!”
1 Samuel 17:28 (Message)
Eliab as an older brother to David may have genuine concern about the well-being of David. And sometimes such concern can be a limitation to your advancement into greatness.
However, a careful observation of Eliab’s words to David also exposed Eliab’s mindset concerning David.
Apart from his mindset concerning David, other details also exposed his mindset about challenges.
The presence of Goliath was the boundary or the end of Eliab’s boldness. He was part of the army of Israel which fell back and was frightened at the appearance of Goliath.
Eliab had an attractive appearance but was a coward at heart. He looked more like a real man on the outside but was a crying vulnerable baby at heart.
He lacked what it takes to go for the lion’s share.
David was different. Outwardly he didn’t look like a strong tough soldier, but he had the heart of God. David was full of “God-fidence”(the confidence of God).
Each morning, Goliath cursed and threatened the Israelites and none of them spoke back at him. They were rather frightened and fell back at his presence.
Instead of confronting the challenge they rather talk among themselves:
“…The talk among the troops was, “Have you ever seen anything like this, this man openly and defiantly challenging Israel? The man who kills the giant will have it made. The king will give him a huge reward, offer his daughter as a bride, and give his entire family a free ride.” 1 Samuel 17:24-25 (Message)
See David’s first reaction to Goliath:
“David, who was talking to the men standing around him, asked, “What’s in it for the man who kills that Philistine and gets rid of this ugly blot on Israel’s honor? Who does he think he is, anyway, this uncircumcised Philistine, taunting the armies of God-Alive?” 1 Samuel 17:26 (Message)
At no point was he intimidated by the presence of Goliath.
The boldness of David was bigger than the whole army of Israel.
Now comes in Eliab; the fine handsome gentleman. The big brother who thought he knew better and understood the destiny and the place of David than God:
“Eliab, his older brother, heard David fraternizing with the men and lost his temper: “What are you doing here! Why aren’t you minding your own business, tending that scrawny flock of sheep? I know what you’re up to. You’ve come down here to see the sights, hoping for a ringside seat at a bloody battle!” 1 Samuel 17:28 (Message)
Eliab didn’t think, the business of Israel is also the business of David.
He wondered why this little boy David, poked his nose into matters “greater” than him.
By fact, Eliab may be right.
David was just a shepherd boy. And also was not at the age to be enlisted for war.
He has to be at least 20 years old or older (Numbers 1:3)
Nevertheless, the capacity to show up with God and stand with your leader is not in age, but in the condition of heart.
Eliab was judging David by his own perception and state of heart. But it was God who was working in David.
Sometimes by all the standards of men, you don’t seem to be qualified to do the things God has called you to do.
You may have a Christian big brother or sister, a prayerful relative, a lecturer, a colleague, or a seemingly God-fearing boss at work; who may take up the position of Eliab in your life.
He or she may have good intentions for you but can become the voice of discouragement in your life.
He or she may even ask or tell you:
– “The way you have taken ministry and kingdom matters seriously, are you Jesus Christ?”
– “Every day you are involved in ministry. Do you think you are the only born again?”
– “Do you know how long I have served the Lord, and the things I have done for the Lord? If there is a reward will I be at this level?”
– “Do you think you have what it takes to do big things? You are wasting time, just find somewhere to sit and mind your own business.”
Don’t be disrespectful, just do as David did; see it as a distraction, turn away and focus on the goal.
The thing is, the devil will not inspire you to show up with Jesus and stand with the Kingdom assignment.
The devil will not inspire you to take bold steps for the Lord.
Whatever you are inspired to do, it is God who is working in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13).
Refuse to be distracted.
Selah!
2 YEARS PLAN
2 Kings 23
Glory to God
Great time with Macharia with Apostel Bennie. Thank you Lord Jesus Christ.
Eliab had an attractive appearance but was a coward at heart. He looked more like a real man on the outside but was a crying vulnerable baby at heart.
I refuse to be a coward person.
David was different. Outwardly he didn’t look like a strong tough soldier, but he had the heart of God. David was full of “God-fidence”(the confidence of God).
I have the heart of God.
God is my confidence.