2 Sam 5:19

"So David inquired of the LORD, saying, "Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?" And the LORD said to David, "Go up, for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into your hand." 2 Sam 5:19

There's nothing better than discussing a major decision in life than talking face to face with your spouse or a good friend. The next best thing is talking on the phone. These forms of contact give us an assurance that what we are about to do is right.

David had that kind of relationship with God. Note today's verse, "Shall I go up against the Philistines?" This is a major decision for anyone. "Is it appropriate for me to go up against a major enemy at this time?" It's a life or death matter. If I go and the time is wrong, I may die. If I don't go and the time is right, the opportunity may never come again - and they may remain an thorn in my flesh forever. Decisions, decisions, decisions! But David was asking the right individual.

He was asking the God of creation, the King of kings, the Master Strategist. If God didn't have the answer to this question, He didn't have the answer to any question. So ask David did - and answer God did! "Go, for I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand." David did. God did. And David won the battle.

You know, you can have that same relationship with the Father. You really can. No, it won't happen overnight. It won't happen next week. It will happen like it did with David. He began building his relationship with God at a young age. He worked at it in the wilderness as he tended his father's sheep. He developed it when he went to the front lines and heard Goliath's challenge. He knew he was on the right track when he killed that giant of a man with a single stone from his trusty sling.

But that wasn't the end of the relationship's development. God sent him into exile. He lived in caves. He dwelt with heathens. He dealt with fools. All the time he was building a relationship with the Father. Sure, he had other counselors. Some of them were really good friends. But it was the God of the wilderness to whom he turned when he really needed to know what to do. He had learned that God never failed him. Never did - never would.

God will develop that relationship with you over a period of time. The more you get to know Him, the more you learn to trust Him. The more you talk with Him, the more you know His voice. The more you read His word, the more you know His mind. All of these shape a confidence that allows you to ask, "Is it time to take on this enemy?" And you will hear the voice of God. You will know His mind. You will proceed - and you will be victorious. Praise God, Amen and Amen.