Pursued in the Pursuit of Destiny “When God’s call attracts resistance before it attracts results.” By: Gladys Dark
Key Foundational Scripture
1 Samuel 23:14 (NKJV)
“And David stayed in strongholds in the wilderness, and remained in the mountains… Saul sought him every day, but God did not deliver him into his hand.”
Expanded Teaching
Destiny is not only something we walk toward—it is something that often walks us through fire. Scripture repeatedly shows that the moment God marks a person for purpose, opposition rises to intercept it.
Pursuit is not random.
Pursuit is intentional.
Pursuit is strategic.
The enemy does not waste energy chasing people who are not going anywhere.
Before David wore the crown, he wore concealment.
Before Joseph ruled, he wasrestrained.
Before Moses led, he wasexiled.
Before Esther spoke, she wasthreatened.
Before Jesus reigned, He wasrejected and hunted.
Destiny always attracts resistance before it attracts recognition.
Bible Examples of Destiny-Driven Pursuit
1. David — Anointed, Then Attacked
Scriptures: 1 Samuel 16–24; Psalm 57
David was anointed in private, but pursued in public. Saul’s pursuit was driven by fear—not of David’s behavior, but of God’s presence on David’s life.
1 Samuel 18:12
“Saul was afraid of David, because the Lord was with him.”
Insight:
You will be pursued not for what you’ve done, but for what God has put on you.
2. Joseph — Dreamed, Then Detained
Scriptures: Genesis 37–41
Joseph’s destiny announcement triggered:
Family betrayal
False accusations
Long delays
Yet every place of confinement became a place of preparation.
Genesis 39:21
“But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy…”
Insight:
The pit did not cancel the promise—it repositioned Joseph for palace access.
3. Moses — Called, Then Chased
Scriptures: Exodus 2; Exodus 14
Moses was pursued by Pharaoh twice:
Personally, when he fled Egypt
Corporately, when he led Israel out
Exodus 14:13
“Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord.”
Insight:
Deliverers are always pursued because freedom threatens power structures.
4. Esther — Positioned, Then Pressured
Scriptures: Esther 3–5
Esther’s destiny demanded risk. Silence would have preserved her comfort—but destroyed her purpose.
Esther 4:16
“If I perish, I perish.”
Insight:
Destiny requires courage at the moment fear is most justified.
5. Jesus — Sent, Then Hunted
Scriptures: Matthew 2; Luke 4; John 10
Jesus was hunted before He ever healed, preached, or performed miracles.
John 15:20
“If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.”
Insight:
Opposition is often proof that heaven has already endorsed your assignment.
SUMMARY
Those marked for destiny will experience:
Unusual resistance
Targeted opposition
Misunderstanding
Delay
Isolation
Yet Scripture assures us that God never allows pursuit without also providing preservation.
Isaiah 54:17
“No weapon formed against you shall prosper…”
MAIN LESSON
Pursuit does not mean you are off course—
it often means you are dangerously close to destiny.
The enemy pursues what he cannot stop, hoping to delay, distract, or discourage. But God uses pursuit to refine faith, strengthen discernment, and deepen dependence.
PERSONAL OBSERVATION
There are seasons when it feels like:
You cannot rest
You are constantly explaining yourself
Every step forward is challenged
Familiar people become adversaries
Yet I have learned this truth:
God often hides His most valuable vessels in uncomfortable places so they cannot be destroyed prematurely.
David’s cave protected him.
Joseph’s prison preserved him.
Jesus’ cross fulfilled Him.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Do not retaliate in seasons of pursuit
– David refused to kill Saul even when he had the chance (1 Samuel 24:6).
Stay aligned, not reactive
– Joseph stayed faithful in obscurity.
Seek God’s strategy, not human validation
– Moses obeyed God, not Pharaoh.
Speak when God says speak
– Esther broke silence at the appointed time.
Trust God’s timing over your comfort
– Destiny matures in pressure.
PRAYER
Father God,
We thank You that our lives are marked by purpose and sealed by destiny.
Even when we are pursued, we trust that You are our shield and defender.
Strengthen us in the cave seasons.
Sustain us in the waiting rooms.
Protect us in moments of vulnerability.
Let every pursuit refine us, not break us.
Let every attack propel us closer to Your promise.
We declare that no pursuit will abort what You have ordained.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
CHARGE TO THE 40 DAYS OF FIRE PRAYER GROUP
🔥 Warriors of Fire, hear this charge: 🔥
These 40 days are not casual.
They aredestiny-defining.
If resistance has increased, prayer must intensify.
If attacks have multiplied, alignment must deepen.
If discouragement whispers, faith must roar louder.
Joel 2:1
“Blow the trumpet in Zion… consecrate a fast, call a sacred assembly.”
During these 40 days:
Pray with clarity
Fast with intention
Intercede with authority
Refuse distraction
Declare victory daily
You are not being pursued because you are weak.
You are being pursued because heaven has invested in you.
🔥 Stand firm. Pray boldly. Advance fearlessly. 🔥