Daily Bread_January 8, 2013

Title: Living for God is Not Without Difficulties

Text: 1 Samuel 30 (Click on link below to read scripture)

http://tinyurl.com/a39aava

Observation:

I heard a sermon on this text recently, and the message is still stirring my soul. The timing was so amazing; it was a blessing in my life.

David and his followers were in Ziklag because David was on the run because King Saul wanted to kill him. God had anointed David to be the future king in place of Saul. However, David did not launch an effort to overthrow Saul. He was going about his normal business. Even when you are doing the right thing, trouble will find you.

The first six verses of this chapter in 1 Samuel 30 describes the hard place that David was in. His loyal followers were unhappy with him. David knew who to go to for help.

1 Samuel 30:6 (HCSB)
⁶ David was in a difficult position because the troops talked about stoning him, for they were all very bitter over [the loss of] their sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.

Yes, David had great problems. However, note that David was not without hope and help; the bible says, "But David found strength in the LORD his God". It is amazing what comes after "but" when God is in it.

You can find the strength in the Lord that David found if you trust in the Lord with your whole heart. The mountains are never too high or the valleys too low for God to strengthen you. God will do for you what he did for David.

1 Samuel 30:18-19 (HCSB)
¹⁸ David recovered everything the Amalekites had taken; he also rescued his two wives.
¹⁹ Nothing [of theirs] was missing from the youngest to the oldest, including the sons and daughters, of all the plunder the Amalekites had taken. David got everything back.

Prayer:

Father God, I am so thankful that the devil doesn't get the final word. Father, I thank you that I serve a God who is able to restore what the devil has stolen; I thank you that you are a God who gives hope, help, and strength to your people. In Jesus name, Amen.

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Isaiah 50:4 (HCSB)
⁴ The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of those who are instructed to know how to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens ⌊Me⌋ each morning; He awakens My ear to listen like those being instructed.

 

My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:

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