Leaders Listen To God

David and his army saved the city of Keilah from the Philistines, in 1 Samuel 23, but God revealed to David that if they stayed in Keilah, those people would turn David and his people over to Saul.  So they left and hid in the wilderness.  Responding to a tip, Saul and his army pursued David.  When they almost got to him, word got out that the Philistines had raided their land while they were gone, so they turned and went back to fight the Philistines.

Before David’s army attacked the Philistines in Keilah, his men begged David not to do it.  After David got the 2^nd “go ahead” from God, they defeated the Philistines.  But then the people of Keilah didn’t want them around!  What did David’s army think about that? “We told you so, David! We lost people in that battle for nothing! Why did we ever listen to you?”

How many times have you made a decision based on what was right, which was totally different than what was popular?  How did others respond to that decision?  Doing the right thing, especially when leading others, is not always popular.  The best we can do is stay close to God and listen to His guidance and direction.  He will surely give us the affirmation… especially when it doesn’t come from people.

Loving God, help us always to do the right thing, even when others don’t see it.  And continue to show us your love and affirmation through the difficult situations.  Amen.