There was a time in scripture when David suffered a major setback. He and his men were out protecting the borders of Israel, doing the right thing, fulfilling their purpose. These bandits came in and attacked their home city of Ziglag, burned down their houses, stole their possessions, and kidnapped their wives and children. It was one of David's greatest defeats. When he and his 600 men returned home and saw the smoke billowing in the distance, scripture says, "They wept until they could not weep anymore." It was the worst day of their lives.
It looked like it was over. It looked like they were done. But, David did something that we all must do if we're going to rise up out of defeat. Instead of staying in the ashes, focusing on how bad everything was, that warrior spirit began to rise up. He thought, "Hey, I may be down, this may be my worst defeat so far, but this is not the end of my story. I am the righteous. I have the promise. When it's all over, I'll still be standing." He started encouraging himself, reminding himself of who he was and Whose he was. He told his men, "Get up. Dry your tears. Get your equipment. We're going to go get what belongs to us." They went out and not only attacked and defeated the enemy, but they got all of their possessions back. They got their wives and children back. Scripture says they recovered all! David's greatest defeat turned into one of his greatest victories.
We all face unfair situations, things that seem like they're going to bury us. But if you will have this warrior mentality and go after what belongs to you, the enemy won't have a chance! He may hit you with his best shot, but his best will never be enough. The forces that are for you are greater than the forces that are against you! Rise up in faith, step out in boldness and recover what is rightfully yours!
"Then David asked the LORD, 'Should I chase after this band of raiders? Will I catch them?' And the LORD told him, 'Yes, go after them. You will surely recover everything that was taken from you!'" (1 Samuel 30:8, NLT)