I Prayed have prayed
Lord, there are times we feel helpless and weak but You guide us to walk in Your light. Fill us with Your hope God. Amen.
Reading Time: 4 minutes

Have you experienced a “Ziklag” moment? Ziklag was where David, his men and their families had set up camp. But as David and his men went to fight one battle, the Amelekites came and stole everything they owned—including their wives and children. When David and his men returned, everything was gone.

The meaning of the name Amelekite means “those who exhaust.” That’s exactly what Satan tries to do. As we are out fighting spiritual battles for the Lord, it is not uncommon to experience an attack against our homes, our finances or our family. The intent is to exhaust us, intimidate us and force us to take our hands off the wheel of His work to deal with the attack.

Has that happened to you? Has Satan attacked your home, finances and/or family? Does it feel that you have lost everything? Where everything you hold dear is gone and everywhere you turn your life seems to be going up in flames? This is a word for you in this wilderness:

You can recover all.        

We see an example of this in biblical times when David lost all—and then recovered all. In fact, he recovered MORE than what was taken.

I Samuel 30 recounts that tumultuous time in David’s life. “Now it happened, when David and his men came to Ziklag. On the third day, the Amalekites had invaded the South and Ziklag, attacked Ziklag and burned it with fire.

They had taken captive the women and those who were there, from small to great. They did not kill anyone, but carried them away and went their way.

So David and his men came to the city, and there it was, burned with fire. Their wives, their sons, and their daughters had been taken captive. Then David and the people who were with him lifted up their voices and wept, until they had no more power to weep.

And David’s two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite, had been taken captive. Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters.”

David and his men returned from war only to find their homes ransacked, their goods stolen and their wives and children missing. All they valued was gone.

But if that wasn’t devastating enough, in the midst of this deep distress, David’s men blamed him for what happened and spoke of killing him. You’ve been there. When all of a sudden, close friends and even family seem to turn against you in the time of greatest need. Why? Because that is one of Satan’s greatest tools–isolation.

David not only had to bear the grief alone, but he also feared for his own life in the midst of such great loss. It had to have been devastating. But you’ve had a devastating moment as well.

There is a saying that you are either in the wilderness, have just come out of the wilderness, or are about to go into the wilderness…It is true as we all experience wilderness seasons and yet, they can also be seasons of tremendous growth. More importantly, as we trust God, they can also be times of great insight and ultimately refreshing.

Maybe you are in a day in which you feel all has been stolen from you and even those who you have turned to for comfort have turned their backs. And so you have wept alone. But God has seen your tears. If you find youself in a Ziglag moment, be encouraged for just as David’s story didn’t end there, neither does yours.

The first thing to remember is to inquire of the Lord. This is not a time to lament your situation, but to seek Him for answers. As David chose to keep his eyes on the Lord and not the circumstances, his turnaround was in progress.

I Sam. 30:8 “So David inquired of the Lord, saying, ‘Shall I pursue this troop? Shall I overtake them?”

“And He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all.”

Did you get that? Recover all!

David heeded this word and chose to set out. He had no idea where he was going or how he would recover all. And that wasn’t the point. The point was he chose to trust God to deliver.

That is important in your recovery. You have to heed the word of the Lord when He says, “You will recover all!” We can either let go of hope or move forward in recovery. We have to choose.

As you read the story, David not only recovered all, but what had been a devastating loss of EVERYTHING, was now turned into a recovery of all that was lost– PLUS MORE.

“So David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away, and David rescued his two wives. And nothing of theirs was lacking, either small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything which they had taken from them…” (I Sam 30:18-19).

David recovered all.

Not only did David recover all that had been stolen, but he took the spoil of the Amalekites. There was such abundance that he sent gifts to the elders of the land to give testimony of all God had done to restore and recover.

There is a power in Ziklag moments. When we take hold of God and allow Him to guide us out of them and then choose to begin to once again follow Him through the wilderness.

Are you in a Ziglag moment? Do you feel abandoned and hopeless in the circumstances you now find yourself? Don’t despair. Continue to inquire of the Lord and follow His leading, for God will restore as you follow Him to the place that He leads. You will not only recover all that was lost, but will see an abundance so that you can bless others. His Word promises, you will recover all.

Share what verse reminds you of God’s hope and promises in the comments!

Karen Hardin is a literary agent and writer. She is the author of “Infected: How to Stop the Global Spread of Rage, Deception and Insanity” and “God’s Justice after Injustice.” Her work has been published in USA Today, Western Journal, World Net Daily, Intercessors for America, Charisma, CBN.com and more. She is also the co-founder of the city-by-city.org prayer movement to take back our cities and nation.

(Photo Credit: Unsplash)

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Gladys
February 13, 2022

This very encouraging. Am facing worst situations. It looks like hell has come down on me. But I believe God will enable me to recover all that I have lost. He is merciful and will fight my battles. Satan will not prevail.

Marina Romeri
February 11, 2022

Joel 2:25…..praise God!

Tina
February 10, 2022

I anxiously await my Ziglag time to end. Sudden death of husband in 2020 caused loss of home and almost all of it’s contents. All I have are necessities that fit into my small camper. Though the camper is new it has already cost me thousands to repair things that should not have gone wrong. Now I just got it back and made it to Florida and need several more repairs. It’s a huge financial struggle. Dealership nor manufacturer will cover it. Warranty and extended warranty won’t cover it. I’m not able to get back for the summer months to the area where my children are living (scattered about with friends) . A repairman looked at it and said he could and would fix it but supplies are not easy to come by these days. It’s been a month with no progress. Being a poor widow is not easy but God took care of several of them in the past and I know He has a good plan for me. I cling to Him in prayer and worship daily. Matthew 6:33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

8
    Bob huseby
    February 11, 2022

    Tina, God brought you to this article today to show you how much he loves you !! And I agree with you this day that just as God returned to David what was taken that Jesus WILL rescue you !! In his name we pray!!

    8
    Lorraine McNeill
    February 11, 2022

    Dear Tina,
    I will be praying for you and your situation and that El Shadday will provide all. He is El ROI and sees everything happening to you!
    In Christ,
    Lorraine (El Salvador)

    5
anthony cuccia jr
February 10, 2022

We are near Brother, Fighting and Praying our battles mostly in silence and awaiting the call to wipe away the injustices and the ankle biters like the faucies, corvilles, schumer’s, schiffs, pelocies, clintons, obamas, aoc’s, betos, and demorats galore entitlement, bums; that plague man and womankind with their communist, leftist, satanic ,evil ideals..

5
    Lorraine McNeill
    February 11, 2022

    Amen, but our country needs to Repent to seek the favor of God. The wickedness has prevailed for so long. I agree with you in prayer and that there will be a mighty repentance in our country.

    2
David
February 10, 2022

I do have this question for my Father the Almighty: Why are all the respondents here women? My LORD, where are Your men?? My God, my God, what is wrong here?? Where are my brothers?? Where??

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Marsha Bashor
February 10, 2022

How good is this! Thank you, thank you! PTL

2
Flora G Vela
February 10, 2022

From Psalm 27 I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
I had a Ziglag moment and the scripture from Samuel was given to me some 30 years ago. I was fighting for child support and I received a check and my children wanted me to return that money to their dad because he had called and was crying to them. I went to church that evening seeking a word from God. The evening service the pastor’s message was from 1 Sam 30. I was deeply encouraged and I recovered all!

7
Jo
February 10, 2022

Beautiful article. Thank you.

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 ESV

I also like to remember what Joseph said to his brothers after being awfully abused by them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today….”

And, most of all, I remember the evil that Christ suffered, so that I may be saved.

6
Marily
February 10, 2022

Now why do you cry aloud? Is there no King in you? Micah 4:9

2
Sharon Spieckerman
February 10, 2022

If God is for us ! Who can stand against us ! To God be the Glory forever and ever .
This battle belongs to the Lord!🙏
God be on our right , our left , above us and below us . Gods protection surround us and all that we pray for and love ! Amen 🙏

10
Lila
February 10, 2022

Thank you Debbie. Praying for your need, as you have prayed for mine. A Blessing, this is the Body of Christ touching each of us at our point of need.

Joan
February 10, 2022

This was so encouraging. Our daughter, raised in the Lord is pregnant with our grandchild, living with the father. She has turned her back on the Lord & us. Her birthmon who has been in and out if her life is now the hero. Very painful. Please pray our daughter comes back to the Lord. We rejoice in our ziglag moment. Thy will be done. God bless you.

10
Elizabeth
February 10, 2022

Praise God for this devotion that brought me such hope!!! To this hope I shall cling as I inquire of God how He wants me to proceed. Thank you!

6
Barbara Janicki
February 10, 2022

“I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day.” (2 Timothy 1:12) This verse reminds me of God’s promise and my hope is in Him alone. This article was so encouraging, to remember not to give up hope in God but to wait on Him and His perfect timing to deliver and to restore me. “I am still confident of this; I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” (Psalm 27:13-14) http://www.mtothe5th.wordpress.com

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Terise
February 10, 2022

Exactly what I need to hear! Thank you. I pray for the restoration of my family.

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Kim L
February 10, 2022

Oh such encouragement after such a heavy edition of “The Informer”.
How thankful I am that God remains forever unchanged. He is the Restorer of all…every time!!

We do not have to fear, we do not have to be dismayed…God is with us and is for us!! May He turn our every Ziglag moment into glorious victory! In Jesus’ name, Amen!!

12
Joann Pechin
February 10, 2022

I was definitely experiencing a Ziklag moment this week. Your article on King David and how the Lord moved in his situation and that of his people blessed me and gave me instructions on what to do next. Keep my eyes on Jesus the same as a mule does with blinders on his eyes to prevent him from looking to right or left in order to make the furrow straight. Just keep your eyes on Jesus and all will be well. Thanks be to God.

12
Debbie
February 10, 2022

John 16:33 ” I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Then chapter 17 is Jesus’ prayer of unity. Jesus destroys the devil’s strategy of isolation by bringing us together with the Father and with all believers.
Thank you for sharing this article and encouraging us to share scripture with another. Let us pray for one another during our Ziklag moments. Praying for recovery of all for you, Karen, Anita, Sandra, Mollie, Faith, and Lila. Please pray for me and my family to recover all that toxic mold has stolen from us, including health, finances, home, and belongings. Praising God for all we have that cannot be stolen or destroyed! All of our treasures in heaven! Praising God for His intimate presence revealed to me throughout this Ziklag moment! Praising God for the name above all names! Praising Jesus for offering His very own blood to save me. Praise be to God!

11
Anita
February 10, 2022

Again, thank you, Karen, for encouraging me in the Lord!

7
Sandra Cholmato
February 10, 2022

Philippians 4:13-
“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.”

18
Faith
February 10, 2022

What a beautiful article, filled with encouragement! It was just what l needed today, l will continue to trust God will help me recover all, and to restore beauty from ashes, praying He will give each one of us, going through a difficult time, the oil of joy for mourning!!

22
Lila
February 10, 2022

Thank you for this timely message. Yes, I am facing a Ziklag moment. New health issues have surfaced, causing consternation. This message is for me. I choose to move forward in victory and be filled with HIS HOPE. Believing for.

22

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