As I was reading in I Chron14 about David as he entered into the calling that God had for him to be king of Israel, a couple of things struck me. First, it took a while ~ years actually ~ before God's promise that David would be king was fulfilled. I think those years that David served Saul, and then hid from him in the desert were years of preparation. Secondly, verse 11 in chapter 14 seemed to jump out at me. It says, "So he attacked them at Baal-perazim and wiped them out. He exulted, 'God has used me to sweep away my enemies like water bursting through a dam!' That is why the place has been known as Baal-perizim ever since ( meaning, 'The Place of Breaking Through.') italics mine. Living Bible translation
I need a Baal-perizim place in my life right now. And I know there are many of my brothers and sisters who do as well. We need to be at the Place of Breaking Through to see God's promises come to pass. We need to not be weary, but continue to fight the good fight. And we need to see the enemy swept away like water bursting through a dam.
Sometimes it seems that the breaking through times in our lives don't come soon enough for us ~ especially when the promises that we have from God seem to be delayed or forgotten. Years in the desert God? I'm supposed to be king! Or you've called me into business! Why the delay? or I'm supposed to be.... Remember, Beloved, God is not slow in fulfilling His promises. He simply operates on a different timeline than we do. "...With the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." (2 Peter 3:8) In the end, there is always a Baal-perizim ~ a place of breaking through. Abraham experienced it when he was about to sacrifice Isaac. Joseph experienced it after slavery and imprisonment. David experienced it as he went to battle as Israel's newly appointed king. Job experienced it when God restored his fortunes and increased them twofold. Jesus experienced it when he rose from the dead. There is always a Baal-perizim!
Lord, there are brothers and sisters, including myself that need a Baal-perizim ~ a place of breaking through ~ physically, emotionally, spiritually, financially ~ whatever the need Lord, I earnestly seek the breakthrough. Show yourself to be the Commander of the Armies of Heaven and march out on behalf of your people. Break through the strongholds of the enemy. Run on the walls and bring great victories to Your people so that Your name will be glorified! Use us, Lord, in the battle. And help us to fight the good fight of faith. We love you, Lord! Amen.
