David had been anointed to be King over Israel instead of King Saul; Saul had disobeyed God. David had to wait many years before he actually became king. King Saul tried hard to find David and kill him.

For a period of time David lived amongst the Philistines, out of Saul’s reach. David prepared his men to go to war for the Philistine king but the lords of Philistia rejected him (1 Sam 16-30). On returning to his home town he discovered that the Amalekites had burned his city and carried away all of the women and children. His men, in great distress and grief, were ready to stone David. However, notice what David did he: “encouraged himself in the Lord his God” (1 Sam 30:6; KJV).

David consulted with his God (v8) and God instructed him to pursue the Amalekites. In so doing, David won a great victory and recovered all his people and belongings, plus a great deal of spoil from his enemies.

What is the point in all of this? Well, for me it is the contrast between the despair of David’s men and David’s resolute trust in God. No wonder God called David: “a man after mine own heart” (Acts 13:22). So often our first response to the challenges of life is despair but the word tells us to: “Have faith in God” (Mark 11:22). As God brought victory for David, so he will for us his children; nothing is impossible for God (Luke 18:27).

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A BLOG by Norman and Jean Rawlings, authors of the book: “On the Way: Basic Christian Training”. Check out our web site for information on our book and more encouraging Bible based blogs. Fill out the: “contact us page” on our website and in the comments section REQUEST A FREE COPY OF A CHAPTER FROM OUR BOOK, click here: www.onthewayinlove.com