Whether we want to or not, we are going to face battles in life. We can choose those battles ourselves and probably fail; or we can let God choose and we walk in the victory that He wins on our behalf. Don't let your calling trump what God wants to do in your life. Lay down your agenda and walk in the freedom that Christ won for you on the cross.

Many believers today are living powerless guilt-filled lives under the burden of sin + defeat rather than walking in the victorious freedom of Christ. We fall into a works-based mentality of "do more" and "try harder" in an attempt to feel more loved or accepted by God. We have all that we need, right now, in Christ. Enter into His rest.

Most of us at some point or another have to face fear of failure, whether with our job, family or God. Our reaction is often to try to bolster our performance, but when it comes to the things of God that means we move backwards into a works-based understanding of His love for us. God's love for you does not change from day-to-day based on your works. Enter into His rest and trust that Christ's finished work on the cross has made you fully loved and accepted by God.

Of all the "last words" he could have shared, why does David recount the story of his men retrieving water from Bethlehem? It shows us two things. For one, they weren't commanded to retrieve the water, but because of their relationship with the king, they knew his desire and acted on it. Secondly, the deeper the friendship, the greater the availability. Don't limit your relationship with God to Sunday mornings. At the end of the story David unexpectedly pours the water out on the ground. Why? Because he is a king and can do whatever he wants. Is God the king of your life? Are you willing to let him pour your cup — your plans, dreams, vacation time, 401K, etc. — out on the ground?

In 1 Samuel we see David in one of the lowest times in his life. Like David, many of us are facing hard situations. We have two choices. We can try to twist God to our circumstances or we can adjust our hearts to God. Many opt for the former, striving to force the hand of God so that we don't have to be uncomfortable; but David shows us that the latter is the choice that pleases God. Wait on the Lord and believe Him for His promises. He is loving, merciful and mighty and will not leave nor forsake you. He is faithful!