God Sets the Boundaries

Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 18:28-29, Thus Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David, and that Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved him; 29 and Saul was still more afraid of David. So Saul became David’s enemy continually.

When we read how often Saul failed in his attempts to cause David’s death, it should encourage us to know that regardless of what our enemies try to do against us, God is always with us and is the One who sets the boundaries. I am reminded of Job and how the Lord set the boundaries within which Satan could work in persecuting Job. Job 1 and 2 clearly show God setting boundaries that Satan was not to cross, and amazingly, did not cross. With that said, there will be times when God will allow us to face trials and challenges that are meant to be blessings. Some may not see the logic in that, and even see God as being cruel in allowing suffering in the life of one of His own, but James 1 and 1 Peter 1 put this in the proper perspective for us. James 1:2-4 says, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” 1 Peter 1:6-8a also reminds us, “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love.” King Saul had nothing but malice in his heart toward David. Yet, David, in continuing to be faithful to both God and the king, went out and did whatever needed to be done to prove that faithfulness, and God protected him. When Saul could not takes David’s life directly, he resorted to trying to manipulate circumstances so that David would be killed by the Philistine (v. 17-27). As God’s people, we must be mindful of the fact that no amount of manipulating will get us what God has not intended for us. In 1 Kings 22, Ahab, King of Israel, tried to manipulate circumstances by going into battle, disguising himself so that he would not be recognized, and the King of Judah, Jehoshaphat, would instead be pursued by their enemies. 1 Kings 22:33-34 recorded the results of this failed attempt at manipulating situations. It reads, “And it happened, when the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him. 34 Now a certain man drew a bow at random, and struck the king of Israel between the joints of his armor. So he said to the driver of his chariot, ‘Turn around and take me out of the battle, for I am wounded.’” Verse 37 begins with, “So the king died…” Again, a twofold reminder here; first, we will never outsmart God. When we try to manipulate circumstances to try and get what WE want, all we will do is frustrate ourselves. Secondly, in those times when we are not aware that someone is trying to interfere in God’s plan for our lives, we can rest assured that no amount of manipulation on their part will thwart God’s will and plan. Even when we are made aware of such actions toward us, the best avenue we can take is to remain prayerful and faithful to what we know God has called us to, and let Him deal with the circumstances and the people who dare to oppose Him, by way of trying to interfere in our lives. The best way for God to get glory from this kind of conflict, should it come our way, is for us to trust Him to see us through, so that when those who oppose us see that God is with us, the fear of the Lord will fall upon them, just as it did with Saul. Isaiah 54:17 is a great reminder that our enemies will not succeed against us, “‘No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is from Me,’ says the LORD.” When all is said and done, trust God to set the boundaries.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).