One mistake some people make is to assume that they’ll receive answers to whatever they desire, when they desire it and how detailed they desire it. That is not usually the case as you often have to ask for the same thing severally before you can receive it. Added to this is that many aren’t happy that you’re asking the question whose answer will lead you to a greater height.
David had been sent by his father Jesse to give some food to his brothers who were at the war front, “Take for your brothers an ephah of this roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread and run quickly to the camp to your brothers. Also, take these ten cuts of cheese to the commander of the unit. See how your brothers are doing and bring back news of them.”
As David approached, the Philistine champion Goliath came out as other times to taunt the army of Israel and her God. And like other times, the army of Israel was cowed at his sight and retreated. But the young man David couldn’t have it and so demanded to know the price tag on the head of this monster.
Then David spoke to the men who were standing by him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes the disgrace [of his taunting] from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he has taunted and defied the armies of the living God?”
You see, every visioner has something that triggers him. Any man that God will use never stands the sight of abuse to God’s name. Any man that is meant for the throne understands value and where it should be placed. So, David, angered by such brazen challenge to the army of Israel and defilement to the name of God wanted details.
But Eliab, David’s oldest brother, was offended when he eavesdropped on David’s discussion with the other soldiers. He seemed very interested in the welfare of the few sheep that David reared. I mean, this is a man that was urinating in his pants at the sight of Goliath but still had time to be thinking of animals that won’t remain if the Philistines were to conquer Israel – slavery would be the obvious consequence. And he wasn’t even after the safety of David either. Just insults and belittlement.
Hear his words: “Now Eliab his oldest brother heard what he said to the men; and Eliab’s anger burned against David and he said, “Why have you come down here? With whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your presumption (overconfidence) and the evil of your heart; for you have come down in order to see the battle.” But David said, “What have I done now? Was it not just a [harmless] question?”
I came to get you some food according to the instruction from Daddy Jesse. I also was instructed by him to know how you’re faring. How will I give a complete report if I can’t ask a harmless question of what is going on?
After responding to Eliab, David turned 180 degrees and faced his business. There is no time to waste with naysayers and fault finders. No time to waste with people who can’t give me the answers I desire. No need to spend my limited time with ingrates. There’s no lazying about and insisting on people who don’t have my interest at heart. There’s so much work to be done and so little time to do it that Eliab’s insult can’t deter me.
“Then David turned away from Eliab to someone else and asked the same question; and the people gave him the same answer as the first time.”
Dearly beloved, when you set your face towards a goal worth accomplishing, please do not waste time with badmouthed individuals. Never stop asking and planning and working hard on your dreams no matter what people around you might say or do.
And hear this, discouragement can come even from family members who hate you or are simply jealous of where the Lord is taking you.
They care about the few sheep more than they care about your safety and the help you’re bringing to them. Ignore them and move on. You have Goliath to fight and not Eliab to convince.
Scripture Reference: 1 SAMUEL 17:26-30 AMP.
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