August 28: CAVE

See it:

So David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. Soon his brothers and all his other relatives joined him there. Then others began coming—men who were in trouble or in debt or who were just discontented—until David was the captain of about 400 men. 1 Samuel 22:1-2 (NLT)

Obey it:

How can we serve others when our own private life is falling apart? Today’s text shows us a future king living in a cave with many problems on his hands. Here are three principles that have helped me, especially when having a cave experience:

1.      Learn from it. Never waste a cave experience. One of the most practical ways bad experiences have prepared me is when I see people struggling with some of the same issues I went through, and being able to tell them: It’s going to be alright. Never waste a cave experience. Grow from it. Learn from it. Help others after you are done with it.

2.      Serve your way out. Never get comfortable in the cave. David became the captain of about 400 people in that cave. He understood that you must lead the ones you have. Leaders are thermostats. They set the temperature in the room. They do not let circumstances determine effort. They give their best, do their best, where they are.

3.      Look for people God sends your way. Never go it alone. Life is difficult. When you are in the midst of the chaos, God will always send someone to help you through it. Sometimes we are so focused on what’s going on that we ignore mentors and try to go it alone. Mentors will give you perspective, encouragement, and accountability.

Share it:
1. Mentor local youth.
2. Put $10 on a random gas pump.
3. Buy flowers for the cashier at the grocery store.

My prayer today:
Father, help me understand that I can still be of service to You, even though my conditions are not perfect. Help me serve You in this “cave.” Amen.

Season of Service