Megan Evans, Women’s Ministry Director, LHBC
2 Samuel, 5:19-20 (ESV)
19 And David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?” And the Lord said to David, “Go up, for I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand.” 20 And David came to Baal-perazim, and David defeated them there. And he said, “The Lord has broken through my enemies before me like a breaking flood.” Therefore the name of that place is called Baal-perazim.[a]
Water is one of the most powerful forces on earth. Drips can erode through rocks, a few inches can carry away a car, and a few feet can swallow a town. Whether a slow leak or a crashing tsunami, water can break through even the strongest of structures. David reminds us that this is the kind of power that we have on our side.
David says, “The Lord has broken through my enemies before me like a breaking flood.” Our power is not a “what” but a “who,” and He is almighty God! The Philistines were powerful and oppressive, but were no match for God’s army. Praise the Lord, our God who does the impossible! This was the very name David gave the victorious battlefield. Baal-perazim means Lord of breaking through.
Have you talked to God lately about breaking through impossible battles? Whether for yourself or intercessory prayer for others, God wants us to seek Him for answers. It is easy to want to give up when we face things that feel too big, or feel like we have prayed for too long without seeing any answers. Impossible opportunities, impossible illnesses, impossible relationships for example, all become possible places for victory when we let God lead us. Keep praying. God went before David and broke through enemy lines. God does the same for us today.
Like David we can:
- Seek the Lord. Before reacting, David prayed. He inquired of the Lord about how to handle the battle. We too can be confident that God hears our prayers and directs us.
- Listen for His answers. God answers our prayers and bursts through situations in His perfect way. The Holy Spirit is our guide. Are we willing to listen?
- Trust and obey. God told David to go and he went. David trusted God would do what He said. God’s timing is perfect and we can praise Him in the waiting. When God moves we can confidently follow Him. Jesus goes before us.
- Watch. Slow down. Sometimes we can be so anxious for an answered prayer that it can become hard to to notice all that God is already actively doing in the very situation we are praying about. David recognized God’s hand and praised Him.
- Reflect. David’s language is rich in descriptors. Can you describe what God has done in your life? How will you share about victories you have experienced? What words and analogies would you use to describe the hope, peace, and power of God in your life? We need moments of stillness that allow us to ponder the promises of God and reflect on ways He has fought for us.
Have you been waiting for a breakthrough? There is hope for today–Keep praying!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father God, you go before me. Regardless of how big the battle seems that I bring before you, I name this place today, “Lord of Breaking Through.” Oh Jesus how I love you! Let me not grow weary in praying for your answers. Refresh my waiting. Posture me for victory. Crash through enemy lines like a breaking flood this day. Burst through with all your power and glory today. In Jesus Name, Amen.
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Jeremiah 32:17
Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.