David was so careful and detailed in his approach to his kingdom assignments that he always took the time to ask before embarking on his fights, even when it appeared obvious that he should go like the time when his family and community had been raided. He would always want to know .. “Shall I go?” and God would respond with the broad approval or disapproval and even add a bonus of the strategy to be employed in some cases like that of the battle with the philistines. In the Bible reading today, we see that despite all the great work of leading Judah back to the Lord, king Josiah made a critical trip up in the end that led to his demise.  He took on a battle that was not his to fight and to make matters worse, he was meddling in a judgement that God was executing against those people. Despite the warning that he received to desist, he still persisted and he was wounded and died from that battle. It almost feels like a case of dejavu with the kings of Judah who did right with God in the beginning, as they always seem to make some critical mistakes driven by over confidence in the end. Which is why the bible also emphasizes that better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof. Be careful to preserve your testimonies to the end.  Pride is a prime weapon of the enemy. Don’t fall for it by ensuring that the connection to the source remains intact. 

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you because you consistently remind me that your thoughts towards me are to give me a hope and a future. Please Lord, I ask that you help me to preserve my testimony. Nudge me always through the Holy Spirit and your word so that my victory will be permanent in Jesus name 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾.