Don’t Stoke Out

Read the account of David and Nabal in 1 Samuel 25. David and his army of about 300 men had protected Nabal’s sheep and shepherds during the grazing season. Now when it was shearing time and when David asked for provisions for his men Nabal refused, but his wife Abigail got the message and generously took an abundance of food to David for his troops. Then she went home.

When Abigail arrived home, she found that Nabal was throwing a big party and was celebrating like a king. He was very drunk, so she didn't tell him anything about her meeting with David until dawn the next day. In the morning when Nabal was sober, his wife told him what had happened. As a result he had a stroke, and he lay paralyzed on his bed like a stone. About ten days later, the LORD struck him, and he died. 1 Samuel 25:36-38

The fifth leading cause of death in the United States is stroke and cerebrovascular disease. A stroke cuts off blood supply to the brain, resulting in paralysis and often death. The brain is the center of our body’s control—no blood—no oxygen—no life. It is really the oxygen carried by the blood that keep our life going. Oxygen. One of God’s basic elements. Oxygen gives life and hope. One of Job’s friends spoke to him about hope when he was suffering.

If only you would prepare your heart and lift up your hands to him in prayer! Get rid of your sins, and leave all iniquity behind you. Then your face will brighten with innocence. You will be strong and free of fear. You will forget your misery; it will be like water flowing away. Your life will be brighter than the noonday. Even darkness will be as bright as morning. Having hope will give you courage. You will be protected and will rest in safety. You will lie down unafraid, and many will look to you for help. But the wicked will be blinded. They will have no escape. Their only hope is death. Job 11:13-20

David wrote about praising the Lord and finding hope in Him.

Praise the LORD, for he has shown me the wonders of his unfailing love. He kept me safe when my city was under attack. In panic I cried out, "I am cut off from the LORD!" But you heard my cry for mercy and answered my call for help. Love the LORD, all you godly ones! For the LORD protects those who are loyal to him, but he harshly punishes the arrogant. So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the LORD! Psalm 31:21-24

What a great promise—God protects those who are loyal to Him. So do that…be loyal to the Lord and put your hope and trust in Him.

For what hope do the godless have when God cuts them off and takes away their life?

Job 27:8

There is such wisdom and encouragement for those who put their trust and hope in the Lord.

Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. Psalm 25:5

Prayer ~ I am counting on You, LORD; yes, I am counting on You. I have put my hope in Your word. Psalm 130:5

© 2020 Text and photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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