Think twice about where real power comes from!

“Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel.” 1 Chronciles 21:1

This is an amazing story about the retribution of God at work in the life of King David.

Satan wanted to destroy Israel and he convinced David to number all the people of Israel. He deceived David with the idea of the importance to determine an accurare account of the size and strength of his army so he could lead his people to defeat their enemies. Satan was in effect telling David that victory would come by numbers and not by the Spirit of God.

David accepted this lie and ordered the numbering of the people even though Joab, the commander of his army, told him this was an unwise decision.

Joab complied with David’s command and the people were counted.

God was not pleased with this action and decided to punish Israel. David finally realized his mistake and asked God to forgive him.

God gave David three choices of punishment to choose from for this evil action: three years of no food in the land; three months to be destroyed by the sword of those who hate you; or three days of the sword of the Lord. This would be a disease sent upon the land.

David chose the disease and 70,000 died from this curse from God. It was also the intention of God to destroy Jerusalem but God relented when He saw the trouble this would cause to Israel.

David realized the pain and affliction his actions brought upon his own people and pleaded with God to have mercy upon the Israelites and take out any more vengeance upon David and his house. God heard David’s prayer and ordered the end to the curse.

The significance of this story is to inquire of God prior to making decisions and to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ Jesus. This is where David failed!

Secondly, you need to understand that human power or power based upon your earthly possessions is useless in meeting the challenges of life. The power of God can move mountains, change the sun into darkness, and raise people from the dead. This is the power to seek to bring victory into your life.

David was deceived to believe victory would come through numbers and neglected the truth of God that it is not by power or by might but by the Spirit of God.

Your only hope is in the power of God!