Grace and peace be unto you.
The story is told that Nahesh, king of the Ammonites besieged Jabesh-Gilead. The men of Jabesh-Gilead begged him to make a treaty with them but he refused. Hence, they asked him for seven days to request help from Israel and promised to surrender if none was received. He agreed with the suggestion. Consequently, the elders sent messengers to Saul for help.
The messengers told the people in Gibeah, where Saul lived and they wept aloud. When Saul heard, the Spirit of the Lord came upon him and he burned with anger. He sent a message to the elders, telling them that they would be rescued by the time the sun was hot the next day. As promised, the next day, Saul accompanied by 330,000 men broke into the camp of the Ammonites in the last watch of the night and slaughtered them. Those who survived were scattered (1 Samuel 11:1-11).
The men in Jabesh-Gilead were so discouraged by the pending attack that they could not cry unto the Lord. Nonetheless, they were able to send for help. Conversely, the people in Gibeah were moved with compassion for their brothers and sisters in Jabesh-Gilead, and cried unashamedly. God heard their cries and empowered Saul and his team to defeat the Ammonites. Scripture says, “…a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise” (Psalm 51:17).
God is our loving and faithful Father. He is our refuge and strength, a present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). Sometimes, when we are being attacked or anticipating an attack, we do not have the strength to earnestly seek his face. He understands our situation and expect others to intercede on our behalf. Similarly, when others are in desperate need of his help, he wants us to intercede for them (1 Timothy 2:1).
Heavenly Father, thanks for your grace and mercy. Grant us the wisdom and strength to pray for those who need your intervention. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Born for a Purpose 