Who Outsources This?! You Might.

The battle I was about to face was one I didn’t see coming. The need of that moment left me feeling woefully unprepared. It also left me feeling powerless.

In that moment, the situation was beyond my capacity. That’s life, and it happens to all of us.

But in 1 Samuel, God’s people were so preoccupied with their personal desires for technology, tools and toys that they outsourced the resources they would need for a battle just over the horizon.

Now it didn’t have to be this way, and here’s what blows my mind (1 Sam. 13:17-23). 

There’s a battle on your horizon. You can be sure of it. The moment will demand emotional, mental, spiritual, or physical resources that leave you feeling unprepared and powerless.

Sometimes, that’s life.

You will face circumstances that are beyond your limits and best laid plans. You’ve been prudent but the situation will demand more than you have and so, you pray, push in toward God, and persevere.

After all, you can’t give what you don’t have. You do what you can and let God do what you can’t.

But that’s not what happened here. Did you see it (1 Sam. 13:17-23)?

Here’s the backstory. God’s people didn’t want God’s spiritual provision. They desired to be like those around them and demanded leaders who didn’t hold a biblical world view.

And God allowed it. Then He allowed a battle they weren’t prepared for (v. 17-18).

(v. 19-23) “There was no smith found throughout all the land” (reminds me of Amos 8:11-12).

And “…in the day of battle…” no weapons. Why? They outsourced God’s provision to the enemy, and were happy to have it that way. They allowed the enemy to “disarm” (spoil) them 🙆🏻!

Who does that? God’s people do. You do. I do.

Without much thought, we can outsource our spiritual power and provision one carnal decision, distraction, and desire at a time. And in battle, we’ll lack spiritual resources for the fight (v. 22).

You fashion your weapons for warfare by prayer and the word of God. But you’ll also need the spiritual stamina and power to wield them. Like this guy (2 Sam. 23:10).

We can all learn from this young man who was ready for the spiritual battle ahead (Dan. 1:8).

No purity, no power, no stamina. No shortcuts. Prayer will not overcome your lack of preparation.

This verse nails it (Pro. 3:32). It’s that second phrase. You cannot outsource spiritual preparation.

So, what’s “spoiling” (stealing, corrupting) your time with God and desire for devotion to Him? Is it tools, toys, busyness, or complacency…? Name it, call it what it is, own it.

You can’t outsource your preparation for the battle, and the enemy won’t give you what you need to fight against him. But he’ll gladly manufacture and maintain all that keeps you from God (v. 20).

Here’s a statement I pray is true of each of us (2 Cor. 2:11).

There’s a battle coming and now is a good time to purpose in your heart to prepare (Eph. 6:10-18).

Down in the GO DEEPER section you’ll find some things to help prepare you for the spiritual battles ahead. And remember to reply to this post and let me know how it landed with you.

I wrote about some ways Satan seeks advantage in this previous post

And some helpful reminders and remedies in this one.

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