Need a Strategy?

Need A Strategy?                              


Do you need a strategy—you know, a plan?  

Image by Connie Wohlford

Are you trying to figure out what to do next—what the future holds?


David, the shepherd boy—turned warrior—turned fugitive—turned king--had just been crowned king over Israel’s newly unified kingdom. He and his people were under threat from their long-time enemy, the Philistines, on two fronts. This young king (age 30) needed a strategy. 


As was his practice, he asked God what he should do. In 2 Samuel 5:19b, we’re told that David inquired of the Lord and the answer was this: “Go up, for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into your hand.” 


David did as God instructed and God did as He said He would do.


Before long, the Philistines were gathering in another location to go against the Israelites. David turned to God again for guidance. I love the way God gave David a unique and specific strategy.


“Therefore David inquired of the LORD, and He said, ‘You shall not go up; circle around behind them, and come upon them in front of the mulberry trees. And it shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then you shall advance quickly. For then the LORD will go out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.’ And David did so, as the LORD commanded him; and he drove back the Philistines from Geba as far as Gezer” (2 Samuel 5:23-25). 


Maybe you need a unique and specific strategy right about now. Do you feel like you’re being attacked by the enemy called COVID19—perhaps on two or more fronts even? We’re all affected in some way. 


Do you need a strategy—a plan on how to handle health concerns, family unity, friendships, loss of income, or   (fill in the blank)   ? Or your enemy may have nothing to do with COVID19. You still need a strategy.  


If your health is compromised, you need a strategy. 


If you’re grieving the loss of a loved one, you need a strategy. 


If your way of life has been turned wrong side out, you need a strategy. 

If you've lost your job, your business, or your nest egg, you need a strategy.


If you’re in the middle of constructing a house or a business, you need a strategy. 


If you’re alive, you need a strategy. 


Like David, we need to inquire of the LORD. We need to ask God. 


God has a strategy. He has a strategy for everything that concerns us. 


A long time ago, King David, as psalm writer, spoke to God saying, “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made … Your eyes saw my substance being yet unformed and in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me when as yet there were none of them. How great are Your thoughts of me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand” (Psalm 139:13-17).

Photo by Connie Wohlford

God sees, God knows, God cares, and God has a plan. 

It’s reassuring, and exciting, to know that if God saw each of us as we were being formed in our mothers’ wombs and fashioned our days, He surely has a strategy for us to successfully work through the trials life delivers to us. 

After all, Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy. I came that they might have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10 ESV).


Since we have free will, some of our trials and our enemies may be self-imposed due to our own lack of following God’s leading along the way. Nonetheless, He still wants to help and has a strategy to do so.


God knows what we should do in every situation. It may not involve Mulberry Trees, but it will work. We need to inquire of Him, listen for His answer, and do what He says. For many people, hearing God’s answer is where the problem comes in. 


I’ve often heard it said, “I never hear anything from God.” The first thing I say back is something like, “Do you read your Bible regularly?” At least ninety-nine percent of the time their answer is, “No.”    

God speaks to us in many ways. In my experience, I mostly hear from Him through study and meditating on His Word. Also, He speaks through prayer and sitting quietly before Him, through other people, and through situations happening around us. He can be very creative in how He speaks to His people.

At 2 Sam. 5:23-25 - Photo by Connie Wohlford

When we think we have an answer, we can test it against God’s Word and His character to see if it lines up. But, how can we do that if we don’t spend quality time in the Bible?     


Will we sometimes miss God? Yes, but He knows our hearts and He’s well able to help us get back on track.


So, what is it that you need a strategy for at this moment? 


Let’s pray: Father God, You know every detail of every situation in my life. I need Your help and I need a plan—a strategy—to help me work my way through this. Please help me hear your voice and show me what I need to do. Then, Lord, I ask that You help me have the courage and the strength to follow through. I praise You and thank you for Your love, Your care, and Your help. In Jesus name, Amen.    


Unless otherwise noted, all Bible quotes are taken from the New King James Version.

©Copyright 2020 Connie Wohlford

Yikes—Am I really capable of going alone?

Yikes—Am I really capable of going alone?        

                                                                                     

Standing by the curb, I watched my son, Neil, drive away. 

Once again I looked up at the sign to be sure I was in the right place—“International Passenger Drop Off.” I took a deep breath and tears welled up in my eyes. Wow—was I ever out of my comfort zone! But I was excited beyond words. I whispered a prayer, latched onto my wheeled suitcase, carry-on, and purse and headed into the ominous Atlanta International Airport.

I could hardly believe it. I was going to Israel—Alone! 

Photo by Connie Wohlford

Yikes—was I really capable of going to another country without a traveling companion? I would connect with my tour group when I got there, but they would all be total strangers. My husband, Guy, was staying home to care for my elderly parents and none of my friends were available to go. I had traveled alone before—mostly by car and one other time on a domestic flight but this was really different.

I made my way through the process, trying hard not to appear scared. I arrived at my gate early and was told the flight was delayed for one and one-half hours. With lots of time on my hands and knowing I would be sitting a lot for the next twenty or so hours, I decided to take a stroll. I walked to the end of the terminal, not far from my gate and watched planes land and take off and observed other goings-on on the tarmac below.

I sat for a few minutes just thinking: “Wow! Here I am—on my way to Israel. Thank You, Lord!”

When I got back to the gate, expecting another hour wait, I thought it odd there were no passengers sitting around waiting to board. The lady at the desk called to me, “Are you Connie?”

“Yes.”

“We’ve been calling for you. Hurry! Everyone has boarded!”

“I didn’t hear you call me!”

I had no idea that at the far end of the terminal the P.A. system could not be heard. I was unnerved at the thought that I came close to missing my flight and I had a harsh reminder of what a novice I was at air travel.

The irritated agent processed my ticket and I ran down the jetway and boarded my transport to LaGuardia. What a huge relief to get settled into my seat. In my mind I profusely thanked God for not letting me miss the flight. If I had, I’d have missed my connecting flight from New York to Tel Aviv and that would have been disastrous. (The thought of that phone call to Guy was unimaginable.) 

“Oh God, I’m so out of my element!”

I had a couple of hours to calm down and calculate a mental plan for the next transition. I knew I should have plenty of time and it ought to be smooth going. I wondered if anyone on this jet was also heading for the same tour as I.

I arrived at LaGuardia thinking I had all kinds of time but when I realized I had to get on this train and then that train to get to my terminal tears welled up again and I felt overwhelmed. 

“God, I know You’re with me and You’ll help me do this.” 

I didn’t have time to cry and I set out on the next leg of this very unfamiliar path. I’d been in big airports before but except for one trip I’d been with at least one other family member. 

Step by step I made my way to the terminal. No one was there and it was dimly lit. I checked and double checked to be sure I was in the right place but there was no one around to confirm my hope. I knew I was early but would not have thought I was that early. 

Eventually other travelers began to trickle into the area. I wanted to talk to someone but they all kept their distance and didn’t seem interested in getting acquainted. I reminded myself that I’m a southern girl and this is New York City. Boy, was I ever a fish out of water!

Finally the time came to check board. I and the other ten or so passengers were taken into a closed off area. There we were each briefly interviewed and wanded by Israeli soldiers. I thought, “Wow, this is interesting.” I wasn’t sure if I should feel nervous or extremely safe. I decided to feel safe. 

We boarded the huge jet full of travelers. Upon entering I looked out across the sea of faces—not a single one was familiar. 

I smiled at my new neighbors and slipped into the assigned seat. Finally I was on the last leg of this phenomenal mission of getting from the mountains of Virginia to Tel Aviv, Israel. And finally, I could relax. 

I took a deep breath and again my eyes welled with tears—tears of joy and gratitude. In my mind, I thanked God over and over for this opportunity. I thanked Neil and his wife, Suanne, for their generous gift that helped make it possible, and I thanked Guy for caring for Mama and Daddy.

I also thanked God for giving me the courage to leap out of my comfort zone and take this trip all by myself. In about 15 hours I would step onto the ground in the place God called “the glory of all lands” (Ezekiel 20:6 NASB).

 Southern Steps, where Jesus walked up to the Temple

My two weeks in the Holy Land were beyond more than I could have asked. My appreciation for the things of God, for His Word, and for His chosen people was multiplied. The wonders of the Land cannot be expressed in a few mere words.

I can tell you though that I want to go back—I can hardly wait to go back. I believe God will provide again and hopefully even a few times for me to go back to the epicenter of His creation.  

On Masada, with Dead Sea in backbroun

Though I saw a lot and learned much, there’s so much more to see and learn. I smile at this moment just imagining going again.

A few times while in Israel I felt that anxiety of being out of my comfort zone, like when I first walked into my hotel room in Jerusalem, knowing I’d be by myself each night for two weeks in a foreign country. To call Guy would cost too much and I didn’t expect him to call me, though He did so a couple of times. It was exciting to hear his voice and to be reassured all was well back home.

At the end of my Israel adventure, while riding the bus from Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport, those tears welled up again. Though I was ready to return home I could hardly believe the trip was over and I asked God to please let me return someday to the “glory of all lands.” 

Placing prayers into the Western Wall

Would it be out of my comfort zone to do it again alone? Absolutely! But it would not be nearly as intimidating as the first time. I learned a great deal about air travel and about being on foreign soil. I’m so ready to go again.

This year, as Israel celebrates her 70^th Birthday, would be a marvelous time to go back. I’m afraid, at the moment, I don’t have plans to go again, but the year is young.

Maybe—just maybe—God will make a way for me to walk again where Jesus walked in the glory of all lands. (I’m smiling.)

In the comment area below, please share: 

If you have been in Israel, what was one of your favorite experiences?

Are you planning on going this year, during Israel's Birthday celebration?

©Copyright 2018 Connie Wohlford

Preserved, As We Wait On God

Preserved, As We Wait On God

Are you waiting on God for something?

I suspect that almost everyone (if not all), who believe in God and trust in Jesus, are waiting on God for something.

On Facebook, each morning, I post a prayer for our children and grandchildren. Each post involves praying God’s Word over our dear ones.

One recent prayer, using Psalm 25:21, goes like this: “Father, I pray that integrity and uprightness will preserve my children as they wait on You.”

The psalm says, “Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for You” (Psalm 25:21 NKJV).

As I typed the prayer and prayed it for my own children and grandchildren, I paused to consider the meanings of each word. Those are some penetrating words!

What happens when we wait on God? Some of us have been waiting for years—lots of years—for God to do a specific thing. While we wait it’s easy to get impatient or discouraged. Our faith may begin to wane or we might even decide to take matters into our own hands to help God along.

Consider what happened when Abram and Sarai (Abraham and Sarah) decided to help God with their childlessness dilemma. To this day the consequences of their impatience are felt throughout the world. 

We’ve heard it said, “Patience is a virtue.” Let’s expand that: “Patience is a character-building virtue.”  That’s much like what our psalm says. 

Integrity and uprightness are both commendable attributes of one’s character. 

The Hebrew word for integrity is defined as completeness or moral innocence.* Uprightness in Hebrew means straightness, often referring to choosing to walk on the straight and narrow path.** 

The Hebrew word for preserve is natsar, pronounced naw-tsar, and means to guard, protect, maintain. “The word refers to people maintaining things entrusted to them, especially to keeping the truths of God in both actions and mind.”*** In other words, the work of God’s character, reflected in people, is preserving them. 

King David’s words, “Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for You,” were a small part of his plea to God in Psalm 25. At the time he was petitioning God for forgiveness of sin and deliverance from enemies for himself and for the nation of Israel.

So, as I pray this verse for my children and grandchildren, I also petition God for myself and my country:

“Oh Lord, let moral innocence and walking the straight and narrow path be our guard and protection as we keep the truths You’ve entrusted to us and as we reflect Your character to preserve them while we wait on You. In Jesus name—Amen.”

As we wait on God—whether for 30 minutes or 30 years—let’s ask Him to help us maintain His kind of integrity and right living in the meantime. In the end, our faith and patience will bring good results.

Your comments are welcome.

Link to the Facebook prayer mentioned above:

https://www.facebook.com/ConnieWohlfordAuthor/posts/1107445159323369

* ** *** Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible, Old Testament Dictionary; AMG Publishers; *p. 2067; **p. 1898; ***p. 1958

©Connie Wohlford 2016