The Key to Success

2 Samuel 5:17-25

¹⁷ But when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines came up to seek David; and David heardof it, and went down to the hold.

¹⁸ The Philistines also came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.

¹⁹ And David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand.

²⁰ And David came to Baalperazim, and David smote them there, and said, The LORD hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters. Therefore he called the name of that place Baalperazim.

²¹ And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them.

²² And the Philistines came up yet again, and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.

²³ And when David enquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.

²⁴ And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the LORD go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines.

²⁵ And David did so, as the LORD had commanded him; and smote the Philistines from Geba until thou come to Gazer.

 Principle illustrated: Hearing and doing what God says is the key to success. 

David asked God what to do when he has to make a decision in battle. Because David hears what God says, he has success in two battles. 

The key to ‘real’ success is in listening and doing what God says. For us as Christians, we need to read the Bible and pray for direction.

 I need to be reminded that God’s love for me is never ending and He always keeps His promises. Sometimes I assume that God will always be with me even if I don't ask him for help. (Especially when I make my own decisions and do what I think is right without consulting Him first) 

I have to remember to trust and obey God.