God’s Word is for our learning, also from the bad experiences both we and others have had (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

(2 Sam. 2:8-26) Asahel pursued Abner purposelessly, because of talent that he had (the grace of speed). He perished prematurely because he didn’t heed to instruction. God places people of good counsel on your path for you to be grounded and to scale through if only you seriously heed to their words – His instructions (Pro. 11:14; 13:20). ‘Instruct’ in the Old Testament means to – ‘admonish/advise/warn’ & ‘chastise or punish in order to correct’. Sometimes, God punishes by withholding something. He loves us & doesn’t want us to die prematurely, live as illegitimate children, underperform or be unproductive. He wants our gifts (Eph. 4:7-8) to be beneficial to us & others (Heb. 12:6). His Word is our manual & He wants us to live to the maximum (Jer. 15:16-17).

(1 Chron. 12:8-18) The mighty men of David were:

1. Men of valour (strength of mind or spirit to encounter danger with firmness)
   David tested their loyalty, before making them leaders. You may be in the wilderness for long or unidentified or undermined or slandered or defend what seems indefensible, for your loyalty to be tested. Loyalty exposes your genuineness. Let’s be strong in good and bad times (Phil. 4:11-13; Rom. 14:8). For things to be better, they first get worse and you need to stand firm at this breaking point. When you resist, the enemy leaves you alone for you have the support & engagement of God, so don’t give up (1 Cor. 10:13).
2. Trained in God’s Word (Eph. 6:10-18)
   During temptation, the devil misquoted while Jesus quoted the Word (Matt. 4:1-11). God’s Word, sharper than a double-edged sword, is given to you (Heb. 4:12). When you’re tried & tested, all that is yours is established. God has given us the shield of faith with which we quench the fiery darts of the devil.
3. Had faces of lions
   Lions hunt best during a storm while all other animals are hiding. The grace and blessings you need are within the storm. Years of training under God makes us equipped for good works (2 Tim. 6:17)
4. Gifted
   God’s qualities (Christ in them) were first recognised, not their gifts.