“When David was told, ‘Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are looting the threshing floors,’ he inquired of the Lord, saying, ‘Shall I go and attack these Philistines?’ The Lord answered him, ‘Go, attack the Philistines and save Keilah.’ But David’s men said to him, ‘Here in Judah we are afraid. How much more, then, if we go to Keilah against the Philistine forces!’ Once again David inquired of the Lord, and the Lord answered him, ‘Go down to Keilah, for I am going to give the Philistines into your hand.’ So David and his men went to Keilah, fought the Philistines and carried off their livestock. He inflicted heavy losses on the Philistines and saved the people of Keilah. (Now Abiathar son of Ahimelek had brought the ephod down with him when he fled to David at Keilah.)”—1 Samuel 23:1–6 (NIV) 

If you’ve ever played a sport, especially in high school, college, or professionally, then you’ve experienced what it’s like to have team captains. Perhaps you were even one yourself! Take a moment to think about what a good team captain is like as opposed to a bad one. I believe the difference between a good and not so good team captain is their efforts to lead by example, communicate both on behalf of the team and the coach when needed, and inspire the team to give their all on and off the field! 

A team captain who keeps to themselves, gives minimal effort, and never speaks up isn’t a good leader at all. Why is this important? Because every one of us has influence in some way. Whether it’s our family, our friends, our coworkers, or work team, there are people around you that will benefit from you having the same qualities of a good team captain. Today, we’ll learn from David about what this looks like!

Keilah was a city in Judah being attacked by the Philistines. Despite its fortification, they were still in need of help against the strong Philistine men. From what we read in 1 Samuel 23, David was the one alerted of this news—not Saul. It seems as though Saul was becoming more and more distracted from his duties as a king. He was becoming a madman only concerned with his own pride and ego. God wouldn’t let this hinder the protection of His people, so He equips David to take on this battle! Before David does anything, though, we see him go before the Lord in prayer. He seeks God for direction and doesn’t move until he receives clarity! 

When his own forces are afraid to go, David goes back to the Lord. We don’t know exactly what he asked God, but we can assume it was for the best interest of his soldiers. He wanted to reassure them of God’s promises and truth. He needed to hear from God in order to cast vision for them and inspire them to courageous obedience. This is what he did! God gave him the assurance he and his team needed, and God continues to do that in our lives today! 

What does this look like in your own life? Perhaps there’s something you need to seek God for direction on. Whether it’s a decision for your family, in your job, or for a friend, ask God to give you clarity on it. Personally, I think of how I can serve and encourage others with all the decisions I have to make on a daily basis. For example, in one-on-one conversations with girls in my small group, I actively seek the Lord on how to encourage them best. 

These are moments where you can inquire of the Lord for the purpose of speaking into someone else’s life. This is what it means to use your influence for the glory of God and in obedience to Him! You may not feel like a team captain, but you are an ambassador for Christ! Actively consider what it would look like this week to be more proactive about hearing from God, obeying Him, and calling others into the same obedience while encouraging them with His truth.

Pause: Think of an example in your life where someone was a good “team captain” to you. What were they like? How did they influence you for the better?

Practice: Think of someone you have influence over. Take a moment to pray for them. Then, ask God to give you an opportunity to encourage them and for the right words they need to hear.

Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for being faithful to protect Your people! You sent David to Keilah to rescue them when no one else would. You did the same for us with Jesus, and I’ll never stop thanking You for that! Because of Your love for me, I want to obey You and share that with others. Guide me in the good works You have for me to do today. Whatever it may be, give me boldness. Put someone in my path who I can also speak life into! In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.