Not Running for Time

I love the way the Scripture this morning begins..."in the course of time, David inquired of the Lord." From the time David was annointed as a boy to become king of Israel one day, he has patiently waited on God's timing and not tried to rush the process. He finally hears from God that it is time to assume his calling and become king, so he and his men - along with their families - settle in Hebron and David becomes king over the house of Judah. The house of Israel, however, follows Abner - the son of Saul's ex army commander - and Saul's son Ish-Bosheth. Eventually Abner and his troops and David's commander with his troops meet in Gibeon. They decide to each choose 12 men to fight in hand to hand combat to decide who will gain some unclaimed territory in the region. The small combat turns into an all-out battle in which David's men gain the victory. Over the course of time, David continues to grow stronger and stronger in the region as Saul's legacy becomes weaker and weaker. Today I pray for the wisdom of David to pursue God on His terms. His purposes - fulfilled in His time - need to be the focus on the journey. I pray for the patience to inquire of Him for the sole purpose of knowing Him, not to be granted whatever I desire. I pray for the wisdom to remember - as my fears creep in -that I would not want a God so small that I could manipulate Him or put on Him my time restraints. I would want a God over all things that works outside of time and my small world and can be trusted...and that is what I have.