I was having my Quiet Time the other morning and I was reading in 1 Samuel. In Chapter 29 David and his men were asked to leave the battle because they weren't trusted by some of the other leaders. In Chapter 30 they arrived home to find everything burned and gone, including their wives and children. After a major weeping session, David's men got angry and were talking about stoning him.
In the Message Bible it says: " David strengthened himself with trust in his God." He had been rejected by those who he submitted himself to and just wanted to do his part. All he had was taken away and his men, who had been with him through so much were turning on him. Ever have one of those weeks, months, years? If ever we are entitled to a pity-party its during those times.
BUT David strengthened himself. He dug down deep to where he knew God in such a way that he could trust Him for this time. We, too, need to actively participate in this walk with God. Our part is remembering then strengthening ourselves in who our God is, what He has done for us and knowng His promises. In Philippians 1, Paul says: ( the Message Bible)
"There's far more to this life than trusting in Christ. There's also suffering for Him.
And the suffering is as much as a gift as the trusting."
So, David seeks God and gets permission to go after them get back what was taken! (We can fight for what the enemy stole from us!) They come across this Egyptian guy in a field (vs 11-16) who was weak because he had not eaten for 3 days and nights after being abandoned by his master for being sick. Can you imagine what his thoughts were? Not knowing if he was going to live or die? What he did to deserve this? His anger over his circumstance, toward his master. Not seeing how this is going to turn out good! I have felt like that guy...totally alone in a field, not sure if I was going to make it alive.
David and his men feed him and when he is stronger he brings David to the raiders and is promised his life...bet he never thought that would happen when he was alone in the field!
We may not know why we are going through what we are. We may not know how it's going to turn out. We can decide to strengthen ourselves in trust in our God! We can know that suffering is just as much a part of our life as trusting. Without suffering what would we need to trust for?!?
Maybe you're the one who needs to strengthen yourself in trust in your God. Maybe you're the one who can come along someone and "feed" them and give them hope for their future. At some point in our lives we will be in both groups. :)
I pray that you will know God's grace for each season!
Love and Hugs!
~ Jodi xoxo
