Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 26:12, So David took the spear and the jug of water by Saul’s head, and they got away; and no man saw or knew it or awoke. For they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen on them.
I am often amazed when I hear Christians speak of coincidences as if God were absent from those moments; as if what happens in our lives happens by chance. For us who truly know the Lord, in accordance to His Word, we should not be too surprised when these so-called “coincidences” happen. If an unbeliever or baby Christian were to experience what David experienced in this verse, they would write it off as “the star aligning” or “a great coincidence” that Saul and his ENTIRE army were asleep when David and Abishai entered Saul’s camp. However, the Bible is very clear that this very small detail was not overlooked by God. Something that seems as insignificant as a deep sleep falling upon each of them was a great part of God’s plan to rescue David from Saul’s feeble attempts to kill him. Even though Saul’s army was far greater than David’s, it was not even close to being greater than God’s ability to put them all to sleep for as long as it was necessary for David to accomplish what he needed to accomplish. This should speak volumes to us about how much attention God gives to the details in our lives. This is not the first time we read of some small “random detail” that occurred that God orchestrated in order to lead a person to where He wanted them. In Genesis 37:14-15 we read, “Then he said to him, ‘Please go and see if it is well with your brothers and well with the flocks, and bring back word to me.’ So he sent him out of the Valley of Hebron, and he went to Shechem. 15 Now a certain man found him, and there he was, wandering in the field. And the man asked him, saying, ‘What are you seeking?’” Joseph was sent on a mission to find his brothers. While on his journey “a certain man” just happens to find him and direct him to his brothers, who later sold him into slavery, launching Joseph on a path that would lead him right to where God wanted him; even with all its trials and hardships. You see, God is fully aware of what lies ahead when He uses the little details in our lives to ultimately take us to the place He wants us. He will use the details in our lives to rescue us from dangers many of us are not even aware of. I am sure that many of us who have traveled extensively have experienced those moments of being delayed and getting upset over the delay, only to realize that if we had not been delayed we would have been right at the location where we just drove by the serious accident that occurred moments before. Yes, God is even in the details that delay us and keep us safe. Rather than get upset because our timetable and plans have been rerouted, maybe we need to stop and thank God in advance for whatever harm He is keeping us from. The fact of the matter is that God is a very personal God. He is not some distant Entity who has no interest in the daily lives of His children or His creation. On the contrary, He is very interested in our daily lives; what we do, what we say, where we go, and what decisions we make. Jesus reminded us how important we are in Matthew 10:29-31 when He said, “Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” How can we dismiss the fact that God is in the details of our lives when a sparrow does not fall to the ground apart from His will? How can we dismiss that God is in the details of our lives when even the hairs are on our head are numbered? Before we ever plan, or choose a path to walk, God already knows. Even if we choose the wrong path, God already knows what details need to be activated to put us back on the right path. It may, of course, be a more painful route because of our disobedience and sinful choices, but He will ultimately guide us back to Him so that we can continue to walk with Him. We know this from Proverbs 16:9 & 33 which read, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.” “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.” Proverbs 20:24 also states, “A man’s steps are of the LORD; how then can a man understand his own way?” This small, seemingly insignificant, detail in David’s life was actually very significant. Think about that the next time God activates a small detail in our lives. If we are truly living an intimate life with Jesus, we will recognize those moments of “coincidence” for what they really are, great miracles that God uses to guide us on the path He has chosen for us, for our good and His for His glory (Romans 8:28-29).
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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