A Time To #16

Embrace

We turn from the subject of stones and turn to embracing.  This week we will look at the seasons in which we should embrace things and when we should refrain from embracing.  For this subject, we are going to look at one section of the life of David in which he did both.  How did his actions result in success in both instances? Find out

What does the word embrace mean?

In this sense, the word embrace means to wrap yourself around something, whether it is a person, thing or idea.  When we choose to embrace something, we are choosing to wrap our entire lives around it.  So, if I choose to embrace the ways of God, I have to wrap my entire life around His ways.  David had this mindset and we can see throughout his life where David wrapped himself around God's plan for him. 

This idea of embracing is first exhibited in David's life when he was anointed king by Samuel.  Even though he was a kid, he didn't let any insecurities or fears lead him to shy away from the call that was being literally poured out on his life (1 Samuel 16:12-13).  When we get a revelation of what God wants to do in and through us, we have an opportunity to embrace or deny that revelation.  We can find a myriad of excuses to disqualify ourselves or we can trust God and take on the promise he presents us wholeheartedly. 

Progressing Your Embrace to Opportunity

David didn't have to wait long to have his trust and embrace in God's promise tested. One chapter later, Goliath began to terrorize Israel and blaspheming God. David didn't shy away from the giant's challenge even though everyone else did (1 Samuel 17). His brothers might have bigger and stronger and Saul may have killed his thousands, but David's love for God overcame their doubt in him and themselves and he slew the giant.  This shows us that when God gives us a revelation or promise that requires trust in Him, He's also going to give us an opportunity to prove our trust in him.  The question for us in those moments is will we seize the opportunity or let it slide by us?

Allowing Your Embrace To Establish Your Promise

Finally, when it was David's time to lead Israel as their King, he didn't shy away from the opportunity to do what no Israelite had done before: unite the Promise Land and fulfill God's promise to Abraham (2 Samuel 5).  This came out of a lot of trials in David's life. He was pursued by the enemies of Israel, Saul and several of Israel's tribes.  At some points, David was all by himself except for the presence of God.  Through it all, though, David never once wavered in his commitment to God.  He never unwrapped himself around the calling and purpose God gave him. 

We have to take this approach in our walk with God.  We have to be willing to embrace the things God gives us when He provides them.  The great promises, purposes and callings doesn't mean we'll have an easy path, but God will be with us through it all.  All we have to do is not let go from embracing what God has given us.  Just hold fast in faith believing that God is going to do what he said he would do.  Like David fulfilling a promise many thought impossible, we might do something that is beyond our comprehension because we held fast in the end.  At the very least, we'll see our promise established as God said it would and isn't that the most fulfilling thing we can hope for save our salvation?

Try out the following Activation for the next month and see what results you find.

1. How can you embrace God's plan, purpose and promise for you?
2. What opportunities do you find by embracing this path?
3. How does continuing in this embrace lead you further to God's promise?

Report your findings in the comments section as you discover them.  You never know who you might inspire with your thoughts.