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After The Petition

“After The Petition” By Kirk Hunt

For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of Him. Therefore I also have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the Lord.” So they worshiped the Lord there.

1 Samuel 1:27–28 NKJV

Hannah’s petition received a favorable response. God placed Samuel in her arms, then stepped back. Hannah, in turn, stepped up.

She sacrificed her treasured son, just as she vowed. She brought Samuel to the Tabernacle and committed him to God’s service. Then, she turned and walked away, leaving her tender aged child with Eli, the High Priest. Samuel became a great Judge and Prophet because of Hannah’s faithfulness in doing her part.

Too often, we think that we are done after the request is granted. After God does His part, there is much more. We must do our part.

And the price of our part can be high. Ask Hannah. Ask Apostle Paul. Ask Jesus.

We are instructed to bring our prayers and petitions to God. Please, do so. God set His calling on your life and that prayer is part of it. When He answers your petition, you will have another part of your mission in hand.

Just remember that after God does His part, you need to step up and do your part. There will be labor. Sacrifice will be part of your portion. No one said it would be easy.

Flinch, if you must. Cry, if the pain is great. Refuse to leave your portion undone. Be faithful and do your part.

Think: After God grants my petition, my work begins in earnest.

Pray: “Lord, help me to faithfully work during the process of my miracle from You.”

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press. You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.

In The Process

“In The Process” By Kirk Hunt

So it came to pass in the process of time that Hannah conceived and bore a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him from the Lord.”

1 Samuel 1:20 NKJV
Please read 1 Samuel 1:1–22

Hannah accepted by faith Eli’s declaration (verse 17). She went on with the process of her life in expectation. In the process of her mundane life, a miracle came. Her miracle demanded much work and labor, for decades.

Too often we end the story on the high note of the miracle. Scripture records the addition work, effort and sacrifice demanded by receiving a God-given miracle. There had to be a day when Hannah was tired of changing diapers, nursing Samuel and keeping up with her part of the household. Work is not at all glamourous, but is absolutely a part of the process.

Where are you in the process of your miracle? Are you working your part of the process? Since you asked for the miracle, you asked for the work that goes along with the process.

Hannah cried out to God from the depths of her soul. God’s response, through Eli, was not definitive to my ear, but Hannah heard with ears of faith. She started the process, fully expecting Samuel.

Your breakthrough or miracle is part of a process. While God is the source, you have a part in the process, especially after the miracle happens. Faith sees it before it happens and faithfulness keeps you working long after you hold your breakthrough in your hands.

Think: My miracle requires working the process.

Pray: “Lord, help me to faithfully work during the process of my miracle from You.”

See, Then Deliver

“See, Then Deliver” By Kirk Hunt

But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep his father’s sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it.”

1 Samuel 17:34–35 NKJV

There was no time for a committee meeting or an appeal to the local animal control officer. David saw the bear preparing to eat one of his lambs and he acted. He delivered the lamb from certain death. The optional analysis and discussion phase came only after the work was complete.

Had David not acted, the bear would have eaten the lamb. Worse, she might have come to the conclusion that the flock would be a continuing source of easy meals. Stripped of her dinner, the bear tried to replace the lamb with the annoying shepherd that struck her.

Your God-given vision will remain intangible and unsubstantial until you act. Your vision is a distraction until start building it in the real world. People cannot see your vision as you do, but they can see the work you do.

You do not need to consult with a committee. You are the vision building officer. Men and women, boys and girls need you to deliver the vision God has already given you.

Act wisely. Act promptly. Act and deliver.

Think: Act on the vision God gives you.

Pray: “Lord, give me the strength to deliver what I see in my vision from You.”

See, Then Go Out After It

“See, Then Go Out After It” By Kirk Hunt

1 Samuel 17:34–35 NKJV

As a shepherd, David saw and understood the situation. An apex predator was preparing to eat one of the sheep from his flock. David also saw with vision the dead lion, then went out after the lamb.

Sight is different than vision. Sight sees the current facts and data. As a rational person, you see the circumstances as they are.

Vision is different than sight. Vision sees a future set of facts and data. As a rational person, you see the circumstances as they will be.

I cannot tell you that your vision is without risk or effort. In fact, I can guarantee you that your God-given vision will require, at a minimum, figurative blood, sweat and tears. The Apostles and Prophets (almost all) lost their lives in fulfilling the vision they received from God.

You see a set of facts and data that do not exist yet. God has sent you that vision in order to guide the work He wants you to accomplish. The tasks you complete will change the situation and transform you. See your assignment, then go out after it.

Think: Go after the vision God gives you.

Pray: “Lord, give me the strength to go after the vision You give me.”

Quiet Lions

“Quiet Lions” By Kirk Hunt

Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.”

Daniel 6:21–22 NKJV
Read also Daniel 6:1–24

The angel snapped his fingers to get the lions’ attention. “You are going to host Daniel for the night. Sorry, but you will be hungry for the evening.” The lion roars were deafening.

“If you are going to respond like that, then you don’t get to open your mouths until tomorrow.” After another snap of his fingers, complete silence fell on the lions’ den.

Daniel landed face down in the lions’ den, because he prayed. His faith and faithfulness would not allow him to hide. His love of God exceeded his fear of a powerful king, treacherous courtiers or hungry predators.

Godly people are, at times, thrown to the lions. Too often, we are punished for doing the right thing. Even men and women of the strongest faith are not eager for an eyeball-to-eyeball encounter with several Panthera leo.

God does not always deliver us from the lions’ den. I wish I could tell you we are never lion chow. What I can promise is that no matter where we go, or what we face, God’s will and grace remains sovereign.

Quiet lions greeted Daniel. There may be lions roaring in your life, but the God of Daniel, your Father-God, can lead you in quiet security. Walk with God, even among the predators.

Think: God can silence the lions of your life.

Pray: “Lord, help me to trust You through every episode of my life.”

Obey The Voice

“Obey The Voice” By Kirk Hunt

“Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God:

Deuteronomy 28:1-2 NKJV

The front-line versions of the F-16 Falcon, F-18 Hornet and A-10 Warthog (uh, Thunderbolt) are single-seat aircraft. Still, before hotshot pilots get to be lone combat aces, they fly the two-seat version. They learn their craft from the voice of the instructor in the back seat.

The instructor guides, exhorts and corrects. In the heat of action and danger, his or her echoing voice and lessons are often the difference between defeat and victory. No one interested in returning home safely would ignore wisdom and guidance in such a moment.

Moses, on the verge of his death, urged the nation of Israel to continue to obey the voice of God. Jesus, preparing the Disciples for His sacrifice, urged the same. He also promised the Holy Spirit would live inside any believer who would welcome Him. No one interested in correctly living the Christian walk would ignore the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit at any time.

Christian men and women face the heat and action of this modern life, every day. In the constant give, take and turmoil it is all too easy to do badly or say wrongly, destroying your Christian walk or your righteous witness. The Holy Spirit and God’s Word have voices and speak. Are you listening?

Think: Do I seek to live by the voice of the Holy Spirit?

Pray: “Lord, give me the Holy Spirit and the heart to live by Your law.”

Greater Love

“Greater Love” By Kirk Hunt

This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.

John 15:12–13 NKJV

Jesus taught, than demonstrated, the pattern of greater love. Determine you love a group of people so much that you are willing to serve them. If your love is great enough, even the threat of death will not stop you from giving your service.

On Memorial Day, Americans celebrate the men and women who died while serving in the armed forces of the nation. Their great sacrifice for America is to be sincerely remembered and deeply appreciated. Still, the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for His “nation,” anyone who chooses to accept Him into their heart, sets the greater example.

Jesus first gave up heaven to come to earth. Then He agreed to live as a mere man, so that He would truly understand our lives. Finally, He sacrificed His sinless life as the last and final payment for our sins.

Jesus demonstrated His love for mankind on the Cross. Men and women can freely kneel at the Cross and receive the salvation they so desperately need, from His willing sacrifice. Jesus does not restrict the benefit of His service on race, nation or past behavior.

The only restriction on salvation is your confession of sin and acceptance of Jesus as your Savior. He has already proven His greater love. Have you accepted His love? Do you demonstrate His love in turn?

Think: How am I demonstrating my greater love?

Pray: “Lord, help me to love greatly for Your Name and people.”

Back Seat Companion

“Back Seat Companion” By Kirk Hunt

Two are better than one,
Because they have a good reward for their labor.
For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.
But woe to him who is alone when he falls,
For he has no one to help him up.

Acts 14:19–20 NKJV

The F-15 Eagle is a key component of the US military. The Eagle’s complex and sophisticated targeting systems allow it to fly and fight with anything from simple air-to-air missiles to super-heavy bunker busters. Only a team, a pilot and weapons system officer (WSO), team can fly the F-15 to victory. Two companions, but one mission.

While the pilot “drives the bus,” the WSO works targeting, defense and offense from the back seat. Both must be skilled and tough. Neither alone are enough to win.

You need a man or woman who knows the real you. A strong soul you invited to help you walk God’s Path. You need a Gospel sibling, who asks hard questions and waits patiently and lovingly for your answers.

There ought to be a Christian man or woman in your life with permission. If they ask, you have to answer. If they say it, you must consider their words.

Your back seat man or woman helps you avoid the missiles and bullets of the enemy. His prayers form a covering for your soul. Her Godly advice keeps you working in His will and way. It is a comfort, knowing he or she is there.

The Godly voice from the back seat is on your side. She knows what you want to accomplish and intends to help you. He “gets it” and “gets you.” Still, their only concern is that you are doing God’s work, God’s way. Who is in your back seat?

Think: A Godly companion is a treasure and a necessity.

Pray: “Lord, help me to find and be a Godly companion.”

Left For Dead

“Left For Dead” By Kirk Hunt

Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

Acts 14:19–20 NKJV

Paul was not attacked by pagans or heathens. The Apostle was stoned to “death” by pious, religious folk. Their contempt and anger for Paul was so great that they did not bother with burying him. They simply dragged his “dead” body outside of the city limits and left him for rot or wild animals.

Paul was nearly murdered for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, by kith and kin, not strangers or foreigners. Of course, Paul once had persecuted Christians in similar manner. The saddest fact is much of the persecution against early Christians came from their own kinsmen, not the pagan Roman invaders.

Too often, modern, Western Christians blame the unchurched for difficulties or resistance in building God’s Kingdom. Religious fratricide is the more likely reason saints and ministries struggle. Outsiders are easier to blame but insiders are the more likely culprits.

Consider how you respond and are responded to, by fellow Christians. Is there upset over differences of style or tradition? How does your disagreement or conflict look to outsiders and unbelievers?

You may not agree with other Christians. Still, there are Biblical ways to work through our differences in grace and love. Certainly, there are Nero-like folk (modern and ancient) who persecute Christians. Make sure, my Gospel brother or sister, that you are not one of them.

Think: Our greatest hindrances are too often religious folk, not the unredeemed.

Pray: “Lord, help me to approach other Christians in Your grace and love.”

Buying Reconciliation

“Buying Reconciliation” By Kirk Hunt

But Esau said, “I have enough, my brother; keep what you have for yourself.” And Jacob said, “No, please, if I have now found favor in your sight, then receive my present from my hand, inasmuch as I have seen your face as though I had seen the face of God, and you were pleased with me.

Genesis 33:9–10 NKJV

The murderous hatred of Esau did not soften; instead, it transformed into brotherly love. Not suddenly with gifts, but slowly in the two decades of separation from his twin brother. Whatever Jacob’s opinion of Esau before, he is delighted by his brother’s acceptance in reconciliation. “You were pleased with me.”

Reconciliation is rarely a complicated business. Restoring relationships is almost always a lavishly expensive affair. The cost in swallowed pride and forgiven offensives starts high, then grows with each passing day. Unwinding, or flat forgiving, old grievances can take more out of you than you think or know.

Jacob’s wealth and blessings could not buy off his conscience or wrongdoing. He had to face his brother and fix their relationship. Unsure of his brother’s response (400 men), Jacob faced the regional warlord with nothing but courage and determination.

The fortune in livestock Jacob gave to Esau was not a bribe. It was an apology. Esau’s embrace of Jacob restored peace and joy, too long absent between them. Tears, of joy and relief, marked the return of brothers to each other’s life.

It is not too late or too hard for you. Spend your time, money and tears on reconciliation. Use your every skill and resource to restore the relationship. It will be a bargain at twice the price.

Think: Reconciliation is expensive but satisfying.

Pray: “Lord, help me find the way to bring us back together.”