Unexpected Answer

2 Samuel 15:12

"And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom."

2 Samuel 15:31

"And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness."

2 Samuel 15:34

"But if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; as I have been thy father's servant hitherto, so will I now also be thy servant: then mayest thou for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel."

God governs in the affairs of man. After all, He is the King of kings. David was betrayed by Ahithophel, his own counselor and apparently a very good counselor. David seemed to know that with Ahithophel on the side of Absalom's conspiracy, dark days were ahead. So David did what each of us should do when confronted with insurmountable odds - he humbled himself before God, prayed with all his heart, but he did not stop there.

David took these steps, then he acted. Hushai was brought into David's path and there king did not hesitate. David knew God has provided an answer to his prayer.

No matter what is going on, we must humble ourselves and pray continually. However we can not then sit back and hope God does something. We must be attentive and alert to Him answering our prayers, maybe in ways we did not expect and then be ready to act.

What have I been praying about for a long time? Have I been missing God's answer? How can I take righteous action now?