We have just come off an incredible, Spirit-filled time at DCD 2024—a conference where God’s hand was evident in every aspect.

We saw so many people gather, hearts touched, lives transformed, and messages that spoke directly to us. For many of us, those messages were validating and confirming the direction God is leading us. We are witnessing God’s promise to enlarge our vision as a 21st Century Antioch, impacting billions of lives.

In the midst of this tremendous success, I am reminded…

2 Samuel 23:15-17 (NKJV)

“And David said with longing, ‘Oh, that someone would give me a drink of the water from the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!’ So the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines, drew water from the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate, and took it and brought it to David. Nevertheless, he would not drink it, but poured it out to the Lord. And he said, ‘Far be it from me, O Lord, that I should do this! Is this not the blood of the men who went in jeopardy of their lives?’ Therefore, he would not drink it.” —

Here is the context of the story. David, a revered king of Israel, was in the midst of a fierce battle against the Philistines. The well at Bethlehem symbolized not only a physical source of refreshment but also a deep emotional connection to his past. His longing for its water was a yearning for the comfort and security of his youth. The three mighty men, devoted and courageous, heard this unspoken wish and took it upon themselves to brave the enemy lines to fulfill their king’s desire. They risked their lives, demonstrating unmatched loyalty and bravery, to retrieve the precious water. However, when David received it, he realized the true cost of their devotion. Instead of indulging in the water, he offered it to the Lord, recognizing that the sacrifice of his men was too valuable for mere personal satisfaction. This profound act of humility and reverence exemplified his understanding that true honor and glory belong to God alone.

We often talk about what to do in times of failure, but today, I want to talk about what to do after a success.

Success, like failure, reveals a lot about our character. After victories, it is easy to soak in the glory, savor the moment, or even take the credit.

But as people of God, how we respond after success matters.

Will we take the credit for ourselves, or will we give God the honor He deserves?

In 2 Samuel 23, we see King David give us a powerful example of how to respond after a success. He longed for water from the well of Bethlehem, and his mighty men risked their lives to bring it to him. It was a moment of triumph and a demonstration of deep loyalty. But instead of drinking the water and basking in the glory of his men’s achievement, David offered it to the Lord as a sacrifice.

This act teaches us that after a success, we should remember to honor God, not just soak in the victory.

1. Success Can Create a Dangerous Thirst

David’s longing for water was natural. He was in the heat of battle and Bethlehem represented a place of his childhood, a place of comfort and familiarity. In the same way, after a victory, we can develop a thirst for comfort, recognition, or even self-glory. We want to enjoy the spoils of our hard-fought success.

But here lies the danger: When success comes, our hearts are vulnerable to pride and self-indulgence.

It’s at these moments that we must ask ourselves, “Am I thirsting for my own satisfaction, or am I thirsting for God’s glory?”

2. David’s Mighty Men and the Cost of Success

David’s mighty men loved him deeply and were willing to risk their lives to fulfill his desire. Their success in obtaining the water from the well of Bethlehem was not an ordinary achievement. It came at great personal cost, involving courage, sacrifice, and danger.

When we achieve success, whether in ministry, career, or personal life, we must recognize that:

• Our success often comes through the sacrifices of others.

• It is God who empowers and enables us to succeed.

We must never forget that behind every victory, there is grace, divine provision, and the faithfulness of others.

3. Offering Success Back to God

When David received the water, he realized the weight of the sacrifice his men had made. He knew that drinking the water would not honor God or the efforts of his men. So, he poured it out as a drink offering to the Lord.

This act signifies two important principles:

1. Acknowledging God as the Source:

David knew that any success, no matter how sweet, ultimately belonged to God. By offering the water to the Lord, he was declaring, “This victory is Yours, not mine.”

2. Worship Over Self-Indulgence:

Instead of satisfying his personal desire, David chose to worship God. He made a conscious decision to turn his moment of triumph into an offering of honor to the Lord.

David’s decision to pour out the water as a sacrifice teaches us that success is not just for our enjoyment; it is for God’s glory. Every triumph, every breakthrough, and every moment of victory can be an offering to the Lord if we choose to honor Him with it.

When success comes, don’t just soak in the moment—pour it out as a sacrifice to God. By doing so, we ensure that God receives the glory and our hearts remain humble and devoted.