Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 22:5, Now the prophet Gad said to David, “Do not stay in the stronghold; depart, and go to the land of Judah.” So David departed and went into the forest of Hereth.
If we read this verse too quickly, we will miss the fact that David took a great step of faith here. We already discussed how David waited to hear from the Lord before he took his next steps. He made sure his parents were going to be well cared for, and then waited to receive his marching orders from God. What is interesting is that David obeyed without complaining, making excuses or debating God. Why do I say this? Well, because God’s first communication to the David by way of the Prophet Gad was to head back in the direction where Saul was located. I believe many of us would be confused and would even question whether this was really God directing us. Why would He not call David to go in a direction far from Saul? Every step David was taking was a test of his faith and obedience. It was not meant to hurt David, but to teach him how to trust God implicitly, even when it did not make sense, humanly speaking. How often do we find ourselves in situations where we find God leading us in a direction that just does not make sense to our human and carnal minds? It is easy to exercise faith when we are operating outside of the “danger zone”. It is a completely different story when God calls us to operate right in the center of the “danger zone”. The one thing David was sure of was that God was faithful. If we are going to trust the Lord, we must be fully convinced that He is faithful and can always be trusted, regardless of what circumstance might look like to us. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” We must put aside our own wisdom and trust His. Proverbs 3:5-7 tells us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil.” Living by faith does not always mean that we will escape difficulties and persecutions. If anything, because we live in a fallen world that calls right wrong and wrong right, there is a greater probability that we will face persecution and trying times, the more we set out to live for the Lord. It is just a fact of living the Christian life. Nonetheless, when we face these difficulties, rather than focus on the trouble itself, we must focus our attention on Jesus and be reminded that our suffering here is only for a short time. If we remain steadfast there is heavenly reward that awaits all of us who trust Him and remain faithful to Him. 1 Peter 1:6-9 clearly states, “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. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.” In order for us to exercise the kind of faith we see David exercise, we must allow the Holy Spirit to help us see what is unseen. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 puts it this way, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” If we expect to truly stay and walk in the center of God’s will and plan for our lives, regardless of what it might look like to us, it is going to take faith.
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).
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