RTW April 21
When Someone Else Is Living My Dream
… Abner became a powerful leader among those loyal to Saul.
2 Samuel 3:6b
My Takeaways
Something Old
2 Samuel 2:10
Saul has passed away and there is a new sheriff in town: meet Ishbosheth.
Jealousy means: Ouch…you might not like this.
- resentment against a person enjoying success or advantage
- mental uneasiness from suspicion or fear of rivalry, unfaithfulness
- vigilance in maintaining or guarding something
Jealousy stems from dissatisfaction with our current situation.
It is impossible to be
- Content and jealous at the same time.
- Experience the full work of God’s Spirit when we are jealous.
- Jealous when your heart is aligned with God’s heart.
Something New
Oh, how weary we become when warring continues. (2 Samuel 3:6)
Something to Do
Align my heart with God’s heart, so I’m eatin’ up with Jesus!
My Takeaways: Twist and Turns
Something Old: Ishbosheth-a King with no strength, weak.
Something New: “When Ishbosheth , Saul’s son, heard about Abner’s death at Hebron, he lost all courage, and all Israel became paralyzed with fear.” (2 Samuel 4:1) Ishbosheth replaced what God could do for him by putting his trust in Abner. Fear is real. Fear destroys. Zach Williams says it well in his song Fear is a Liar.
When he told you you’re not good enough
When he told you you’re not right
When he told you you’re not strong enough
To put up a good fight
When he told you you’re not worthy
When he told you you’re not loved
When he told you you’re not beautiful
That you’ll never be enough
Fear, he is a liar
He will take your breath
Stop you in your steps
Fear he is a liar
He will rob your rest
Steal your happiness
Cast your fear in the fire
‘Cause fear he is a liar
When he told you were troubled
You’ll forever be alone
When he told you you should run away
You’ll never find a home
When he told you you were dirty
And you should be ashamed
When he told you you could be the one
That grace could never change
Fear he is a liar
He will take your breath
Stop you in your steps
Fear he is a lier
When Abner died, Ishbosheth thought he was left with nothing, he collapsed with fear.
Something To Do: Don’t let fear paralyze me. Trust in God and he will overcome my fears. Remember fear is a liar, by trusting God I will be free to respond boldly to the events around me.