PROPHETIC WORD: The Road Less Traveled —Turning Refuge into Revival
God is Healing You Behind the Scenes, Preparing You for the Race Ahead
Conquer Your Cave Season
Scripture
1 Samuel 22:1-2 - "David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam…All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their commander. About four hundred men were with him."
Devotional:
David was exhausted and worn out, his spirit heavy from being constantly chased by King Saul. Although David had been anointed as king, his life was anything but stable—he had no place to call home and was always on the move, trying to stay one step ahead of danger. After pretending to be insane to escape his enemies (1 Samuel 21:13-15), David found refuge in the cave at Adullam. It was in that stronghold, amid uncertainty, that his ministry began to flourish. In the cave, he gathered a group of loyal followers, laying the foundation for his future as a leader and king, even while removed from all that was familiar.
The name Adullam means refuge, and it was a place where he could draw on the strength of the Lord.
Although David was fleeing danger, he found rest in God's protection and provision during this time. In the midst of his trials, he wrote psalms that continue to resonate through the ages. It was here, in the stillness and solitude of his hiding place, that he reconnected with the Lord who had called him. The cave became a place of recalibration, where David could shed the weariness of constant battles and rediscover the divine purpose that had been spoken over his life.
Jesus knew the importance of retreating and pulling back during His earthly ministry, too. He often got away from the crowds, withdrawing to lonely places to pray and seek the Father’s guidance. In doing so, He modeled a crucial truth: retreat is not a sign of weakness, but of wisdom. When we dismantle, disarm, and disengage from those who threaten our spiritual and emotional health, we come to fully appreciate the “fullness” of life that King Jesus offers.
Retreating is a deliberate step back from a stressful situation, allowing time to reassess, recover, and recharge. It’s a strategic move that involves physical, emotional, or mental separation, providing the space needed for reflection and renewal, ultimately leading to a stronger, more prepared return.
While the world might label it as “running away,” the Lord sees it as “drawing near”—drawing near to Him, the wellspring of our peace, strength, and hope. It’s not an escape, but a purposeful return to our Father who anchors our souls and empowers us to face whatever comes next.
“David escaped to the cave of Adullam…”
The Hebrew word used for "escaped" in 1 Samuel 22:1 comes from a root that means "to deliver," "to slip away," or "to be rescued," conveying a deep sense of urgency. It captures the intensity of David's desperate flight from King Saul, as he sought refuge in the cave of Adullam. This story reminds us that sometimes God calls us to swiftly and decisively remove ourselves from harmful situations, even when it requires sudden changes with little time to prepare. While we may not always be in physical danger, our spiritual and emotional health can be at risk when we're in the wrong place at the wrong time, making it essential to seek God's guidance and protection in every season.
Yet, even amid such haste, we can take comfort in knowing God's timing is always perfect. We are never outside of His control, no matter how urgent or distressing the situation.
While in the cave of Adullam, David experienced God's presence in a profound way, which renewed his strength and prepared him for the challenges ahead. During this time, about 400 men, including members of his own family, sought him out and joined him there. These men were in distress, in debt, or discontented, and David became their leader. What began as a moment of personal retreat transformed into a significant season of leadership and influence. In the quietness of the cave, David found renewed purpose and became a source of hope and guidance for those who were lost and broken.
Today, we all face our own “Sauls”—relentless pressures, fears, and doubts that chase us down and threaten our peace. In a world that never stops, where the demands on our time, energy, and spirit seem unending, we often forget the necessity of retreat. But just like David, there are times when we need to step back and find our own cave at Adullam. It’s in these moments of withdrawal that we allow God to speak to us, to refresh us, and to remind us of who we are in Him. Most importantly, our identity as a beloved child of the King of all kings becomes the most important theme that hovers over our lives.
We learn to grab hold of Romans 12:12: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
Maybe you’re feeling weary and overwhelmed by the battles you’re facing. Perhaps you’re in need of your own Adullam—a place where you can pause, breathe, and hear the voice of God above distraction, chaos and worry. Remember that it’s okay to get away and seek refuge in the Lord. It’s in these sacred pauses that God often does His greatest work in us, preparing us for the journey ahead.
In the cave, David found his refuge. But he also found his calling reaffirmed, his leadership refined, and his purpose renewed. The same is true for us. When we take the time to retreat, we not only find rest, but we also find the strength and clarity we need to move forward.
So, if you’re feeling the call to step away and find your own place of peace, don’t hesitate. The Lord often makes it clear when it’s time to go—sometimes even urging you to move quickly, just as David did when he fled to safety. Embrace it. It might just be the very place where God does His most transformative work in your life.
Protecting Your Spiritual Race
Guarding Against Distractions and Discernment in Relationships
As I was preparing this message, the Lord led me to a verse that hit right to the heart. It comes from Galatians 5:7-8, where Paul writes: "You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you."
Paul isn’t just offering a casual observation; he’s issuing a powerful challenge to God’s people. He’s using the imagery of a race—a race that the Galatians had started well, full of passion, conviction, and alignment with the truth of the gospel. But somewhere along the way, something happened. Paul asks them, “Who cut in on you?” He’s urging them to identify the source of their spiritual distraction, and recognize the voices and influences that have led them astray from the path God had set before them. They need correction to get back in alignment with the Lord.
Who cut in on you?
This question isn’t just for the Galatians; it’s for us today. We must take a hard look at our own lives, our own environments, and ask ourselves: Who or what is cutting in on our race? Who is tripping us up and causing us to stumble? What is pulling us away from the truth we know in our hearts?
God doesn't want you to surround yourself with people who drain your spirit or tempt you to compromise your values. He sees the true nature of others more clearly than we ever could, and even if they speak the language of faith, their hearts might still be distant from God. It's essential to trust the promptings of the Holy Spirit—the subtle feelings of discomfort or unease that signal when something or someone isn't aligned with God's will. The Holy Spirit will always guide you on the right path.
When the Lord prompts you, it's crucial to set clear boundaries and distance yourself from certain people. This isn't just a wise practice—it's also in line with how Jesus Himself acted. For instance, when Jesus faced strong unbelief in His hometown, He chose not to perform many miracles there (Matthew 13:58).
Jesus was discerning about when and where He invested His time and energy, avoiding situations where people's hearts were closed to His message. As image-bearers of Christ, we're called to follow the example of our Lord and Savior by being wise about where we go, who we interact with, and by guarding our hearts in the process.
It’s crucial to understand that not every relationship, not every person, not every situation is meant to be in your life right now. Some are sent as distractions, not blessings. And while the world may pressure us to conform, to move faster, to accept people or situations that don’t sit well with our spirit, we must remember how Jesus lived. He was slow, steady, and intentional. He moved with purpose, never allowing the pressures of the world to dictate His pace or His path.
Jesus didn’t rush people, and neither should we. He allowed relationships to grow naturally.
The enemy often pushes us into rushed relationships and forces connections to throw us out of alignment with Christ. There are usually impure motives behind it all. This false sense of urgency can lead us to move ahead of God's timing, stepping into situations that aren't ready or meant for us. The enemy uses this impatience to derail us from the path God has carefully planned for us. Often it’s rooted in some form of codependency.
Saul and David's relationship can be viewed through the lens of codependency, with Saul exhibiting signs of emotional reliance on David. King Saul initially admired David for his bravery and military successes, which brought Saul security and validation as a leader. Additionally, David’s ability to soothe Saul with his harp played a crucial part in Saul’s attachment to him. The music provided Saul with temporary relief from the tormenting spirit that troubled him, deepening his dependence on David’s presence.
However, Saul’s deep-seated envy and insecurity caused him to become increasingly dependent on David, even as he oscillated between affection and hostility. Despite his intense jealousy and repeated attempts to kill David, Saul found himself drawn to him, needing not only David’s victories but also the comfort he provided. David, on the other hand, remained loyal, not out of fear alone, but because he respected Saul as the anointed king by God and did not want to harm him. This relationship illustrates how codependency can emerge in complex ways, keeping individuals trapped in toxic dynamics, even when those dynamics are harmful.
The Lord has placed a burden on my heart to address codependency because it deeply affects how we live out our relationships and our faith. Jesus desires for us to be free from unhealthy attachments that distort our identity and distract us from our true worth in Him. By bringing this issue to light, I believe God is calling us to find healing and wholeness, to break free from the patterns that bind us, and to live in the fullness of His love and purpose for our lives.
In the modern day, codependency in relationships stems from a rushed desire to be needed or to fix others, which can overshadow wisdom and discernment. This can lead to behaviors like love bombing—using intense, overwhelming affection, praise, and adoration to manipulate and control others—distracting us from finding our validation and worth in God alone.
Codependency can become a form of idolatry, where dependence on human relationships takes precedence over reliance on God.
Here’s how codependency might play out in practical ways. Codependents often offer unsolicited advice, insert themselves into decision-making processes, break boundaries, or take on responsibilities that aren't theirs, all in an attempt to secure their place within the family or partnership. For example, in situations where someone is facing a challenge, such as illness, emotional distress, or financial problems, a codependent might rush in to offer help or take control, even when assistance hasn’t been requested. This behavior often stems from a deep-seated fear of rejection or abandonment, driving the codependent to overextend themselves in ways that ultimately prove unhealthy for everyone involved. Codependency breeds tension within families and friendships, often making others feel overwhelmed and intruded upon, especially when they’re not willing or ready to engage at that level.
Codependents often become so consumed with their own desires, struggles, insecurities, and need for validation that they fail to recognize the impact their behavior has on those around them.
Codependency is one of the hardest addictions to break because it thrives on trauma bonding, built on the emotional highs and lows of push-and-pull dynamics. People can become addicted to this cycle without even realizing how deeply entangled they are, often moving from one codependent relationship to another, following the same pattern with various people until they choose to change. Along the way, they may intentionally or unintentionally hurt others, blinded by the need to please their current target. This is not the kind of life Jesus desires for His children. We serve a God of peace and purpose, and anything that comes from the Lord is not messy or chaotic.
Jesus can and will deliver us from this oppression, but first, we must recognize the stronghold over our lives and seek the Lord for guidance. If we don't address it, the pattern can continue and spread, poisoning other family members and relationships. This cycle is extremely dangerous and can be passed down for generations until God intervenes through someone willing to break the pattern. The person God sends to heal a family's broken dynamics is often viewed as a disruptor, and the enemy will go to great lengths to silence them. If you are among them, speak out anyway! Stand for the truth! There will be rejection, and you might even be despised, but remain steadfast in your calling. One day, you will stand face to face with Jesus, and hearing the words "Well done, good and faithful servant" will be all that truly matters.
David was a disruptor in his family. He also knew the pain of being overlooked; as a young shepherd, he was passed over by his father when the prophet Samuel came to anoint a new king. This experience of feeling invisible didn’t break David—it became fuel for his future, driving him to help others who felt similarly dismissed. When he arrived at the battlefield to face Goliath, his brothers insulted him, accusing him of pride and of abandoning his responsibilities as a shepherd just to watch the battle. Their harsh words were meant to belittle him, yet they only strengthened his resolve.
David’s own struggles with being underestimated and scorned by his family gave him the empathy and strength to uplift those who were also marginalized, turning his past wounds into a powerful ministry. Most importantly, David found his true identity in the Lord. He cared what God said more than anyone else.
When we seek approval from the outside world more than from God, we set ourselves up for disappointment and spiritual compromise, drifting away from the peace and purpose God intends for our lives. Patience in relationships is crucial; it allows us to align with God's timing and His perfect plan for us.
Always take your time with people. The Holy Spirit will make it clear what is right for you at this time.
As you begin to heal and establish healthy boundaries with those you once went out of your way to please, they may accuse you of being cruel, critical, jealous, defensive, or lacking compassion. They might even speak against what the Lord is calling you to do. However, allow the Lord to take care of the matter. Remember, setting boundaries and refusing to be mistreated is not only right — but necessary. You are honoring the value God has placed on your life, and while this change might be difficult for others to accept, it's important to stand firm in your worth. True compassion includes loving yourself as God loves you.
The idea of establishing healthy boundaries is supported by Scripture. Proverbs 4:23 says, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."
Repeat: ABOVE ALL ELSE GUARD YOUR HEART.
We don't always know why the Lord leads us away from certain people. God's ways are so much higher than ours, and His wisdom far exceeds our own. Sometimes, the people we are guided away from might be well-meaning, but the timing just isn’t right for reasons only God knows. It could be that He’s protecting us from influences we can’t yet see, or perhaps He’s working on something in their lives that needs to be resolved before reconciliation is healthy.
Whatever the reason, it’s important to trust that God’s direction is always for our good, even when it doesn’t make immediate sense. His plans are perfect, and He sees the bigger picture that we can’t fully comprehend.
On the topic of reconciliation, remember this: there is a huge difference between remorse and repentance. Remorse is feeling regret or sorrow for something we’ve done, but it often stops there. Repentance, on the other hand, goes deeper—it involves a sincere change of heart and a commitment to turn away from sin, leading to lasting transformation. While remorse may bring temporary relief, true repentance brings about real, lasting change and restoration in our relationship with God and others.
As we navigate our spiritual journey, we must be vigilant and discerning. We need to protect the race we are running and guard the path God has laid out for us. This means being willing to let go of relationships that hinder us, to say no to influences that lead us away from the truth, and to resist the pressure to move at a speed that feels forced, performative or unnatural.
Our pace is set by the Holy Spirit, not by the expectations of others.
So, as you run your race, be mindful of who or what is trying to cut in. Even if it’s friends, family or a romantic relationship, you must stand firm in what God says. The Holy Spirit’s opinion matters more than anyone else’s. Be intentional about who you allow to speak into your life, and never be afraid to slow down, retreat, and find your pace in the presence of God. When you begin to set healthy boundaries, some people may respond with silence or try to make you feel as though you don't matter. But remember, you are a beloved child of God, and He has called you chosen. Seek the Holy Spirit’s voice above all others, for His opinion is what truly matters. Know this: Jesus loves you deeply and is proud of the steps you're taking to honor the life He's given you. Keep your heart anchored in God’s love, for you are precious in His sight.
Your race is not just about finishing—it’s about finishing well. It’s about staying true to the path God has set for you, running with endurance and faithfulness, and crossing the finish line with your heart still firmly rooted in His truth. Don’t allow anyone to pull you off course. Run your race with the confidence that comes from knowing you are called, chosen, and guided by the One who knows you best.
God is a loving and patient Father, and a Father never rushes His child. He understands the importance of timing, nurturing us with care and allowing us to grow at the pace that is best for us. He is attentive and aware of our needs and lovingly and gently brings peace and not chaos.
When you feel pressured or pushed into something before you're ready, remember Paul’s words: “That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you."
MOVING FORWARD
It's believed that David wrote Psalm 57 while he was in the cave of Adullam. When reading the words, we see the heart of a man chosen by God, but still feeling afraid and overwhelmed.
His experience in the stronghold is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we can turn to God in trust and worship. Even you, one of God’s fiercest warriors, must pull back at times to be launched forward. It’s here in this sacred space of a spiritual cave that your heart has no choice but to cry out to your Abba Father.
Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. I cry out to God Most High, to God, who vindicates me. (Psalm 57:1-2)
For those of us who face our own caves of Adullam—times when we feel pursued by life’s challenges or need to retreat for safety and renewal—we can reflect on David’s words in Psalm 57. They remind us that it’s okay to seek refuge, to find strength in solitude, and to pour out our hearts to God in our most vulnerable moments. Even when life’s circumstances send us into hidden places, we can still find a powerful connection with God, just as David did. We also learn about who is, and who isn't, assigned to us in our current season.
When God calls you to a specific group of people or a particular situation, He often provides clear signs that confirm His blessing.
You might notice doors opening effortlessly, good things happening with ease, a deep sense of peace, a close relationship with God, a renewed purpose, and meaningful connections with those you're around. Another sign that the group is meant for you is the way your unique gifts and talents are embraced and utilized. In the right group, you'll find that your contributions are welcomed and actively encouraged. You'll notice that the group thrives when you are engaged, and you feel a genuine sense of fulfillment in being part of it. These are strong indicators that you are where God wants you to be.
But just as God brings you into a situation, He also signals when it’s time to move on. If you've had to leave an unhealthy family situation, a messy relationship or a toxic work environment, you may have felt that same shift—a sense that the favor and grace you once had in that place were no longer present.
Where there was once peace, you may now encounter conflict, discomfort, or a sense of being out of alignment with your purpose. One major sign is feeling rushed or forced into compromise with little regard for your feelings. Things might feel “transactional” with people versus a genuine, empathetic relationship or partnership. Often you will feel constricted as if you’ve grown out of that place, season, or assignment. Your spirit will also lose the zest and passion you once had there. In these moments, it’s not uncommon to face what could be described as “spiritual wolf packs”—forces or individuals that might attack your purpose, undermine your value, or create chaos in your life.
When the atmosphere becomes tense, prideful, controlling, or domineering; when peace fades, gossip spreads, or your spirit feels unsettled—these can be signs that God is leading you to a new chapter, away from certain people or places. Trust that God, who sees all and knows all, is guiding you toward a place of safety and growth, even when the departure feels difficult.
GUARD AGAINST MATERIALISM AND VANITY
As God’s people, we must rise up in this crucial time and commit to living in ways that reflect our King’s nature, rather than conforming to the fleeting patterns of this world (Romans 12:2). In a culture where vanity, materialism, and lust are increasingly pervasive, it is all too easy to adopt behaviors and attitudes that mirror the world instead of the Kingdom of God. Those who know Jesus are called to a higher standard, and we cannot afford to lead others astray by the way we live. The Holy Spirit has placed this burden heavily on my heart.
God desires for us to be lights in a world filled with darkness, showing others the beauty and power of a life lived for something far greater than the superficial. Our physical bodies will age and eventually fade, but our spirits, renewed by God's grace, will endure forever. Embrace the gift of growing older, knowing it is a privilege that many do not experience, and focus on building a life that carries eternal significance.
The Lord is stirring our hearts in this season to focus on what truly matters—the character and spirit of those around us, qualities that reflect God's image and far outlast physical appearances. When we uplift others for who they are in Christ, we demonstrate God’s love and truth, gently guiding them toward the eternal hope we have in Jesus. It’s not enough to merely speak of Christ; our actions and lifestyle must also reflect the purity, holiness, and truth that He calls us to embody. By living out these values, we become a true testament to the transformative power of His grace.
As you move forward, always remember that our Lord knows the true motives of people’s hearts. Continue to pray for those who seek to harm you, and release the burden to God’s hands. In your season of retreat, allow Jesus to work not only in your heart but also in theirs. Through your prayers and steadfastness, they may come to recognize their wrongs and experience the transformative power of God’s grace. Love your enemies, as Jesus taught, and let your trust in the Lord be a testimony that speaks louder than any retaliation.
What the enemy meant for evil, God will certainly use for good. Nothing goes to waste in the Kingdom of God. Those who sow in tears will reap with cries of joy!
SCRIPTURE:
Psalm 57:3 - "He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me—God sends forth his love and his faithfulness."
Psalm 57:9-11 - "I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth."
Prophetic Word
God is calling you to rise up at this time and lead well
In this season of purging and pruning, God is doing deep work within you, stripping away the people and things that no longer serve His purpose in your life. This process may feel uncomfortable, even painful at times, but it is necessary for your growth and preparation. Just as a gardener prunes a plant to encourage healthy growth and greater fruitfulness, so too is God pruning away the excess in your life—old habits, relationships, and mindsets holding you back from fully stepping into His calling.
As you go through this refining process, it’s important to remember that God is not only preparing you for what lies ahead, but also equipping you to lead others. The people King Jesus sends your way during this time are not there by accident. Just as David's followers were initially a group of distressed, indebted, and discontented individuals, the people who come to you may also carry their own burdens and struggles. However, under your guidance and with the power of the Holy Spirit, they have the potential to be transformed into something greater.
Beloved, I want to encourage you: even though you’re facing tough times right now, know that the place of your deepest pain is where your greatest purpose will be born. Hold on, because what you’re going through is preparing you for something truly extraordinary.
Like David in the cave of Adullam, this season of struggle is actually preparing you for the leadership and influence God has planned for you. You are able to connect with others and help them recover because you have lived through these experiences. You didn’t just survive—you THRIVED under the Lord’s watchful eye. Now you will take all the lessons Jesus taught you and pour that same wisdom and love into others!
Here’s what’s really encouraging — David’s time in the cave wasn’t just about enduring hardship; it was a time when he built a ministry, transforming a group of distressed and discontented people into a powerful, unified force! Before David ever saw his breakthrough as king, he first walked through a season of ministry and preparation.
Similarly, your current challenges are not wasted; they are shaping you, building your character, and equipping you for the greater purpose that God is leading you toward. Your Adullam season is the groundwork for the breakthrough that’s coming.
There is a profound calling on your life. God trusts you with the lives and futures of those who walk with you. As you lead them well, these once-disheartened individuals will become mighty warriors in their own right—strong in spirit, bold in faith, and equipped to face the challenges ahead! They will look back on this time as a pivotal moment in their lives, where under your leadership and the Holy Spirit’s guidance, they were transformed from being on the fringes of society to becoming valuable, empowered members of God’s kingdom!
Understand that your role in their lives is not just a task — it’s a divine assignment. As you continue to yield to God’s work in your own life, you will be uniquely positioned to help them reach their full potential. This season of leadership is not only about guiding others—it’s about creating a legacy of faith, courage, and transformation that will live on far beyond your life.
So embrace this time, knowing that God is not just shaping you—He is using you to shape the lives of those He has placed under your care. Lead with the understanding that your influence can turn pain into purpose, and through your faithful leadership, God will raise up a generation of mighty men and women of valor!
Go forth with courage in the mighty name of Jesus!
The best is yet to come!
