I am constantly intrigued by the life of David. In the closing chapters of 1 Samuel, we find him working as a supposed mercenary for the Philistines. While away with his men from their home at Ziklag, a raiding party of Amalekites attacks their home. The devestation includes: 1. the razing of Ziklag – it is burned to the ground (30:1), 2. the theft of all the possessions belonging to both David and his men; and 3. the kidnapping of their wives and children (30:2).
The collective response to the circumstances is predictable. Scripture tells us that the men wept until they could cry no longer. Out of bitterness, the men even talk of stoning David. So we find David grieving over his loss and threatened by his men. Scripture notes that he is in a “difficult position”. This is an understatement.
In contrast to those awful circumstances, “David,” Scripture tells us, “found strength in the Lord his God ” (30:6). Then, he asks the Lord, “what should I do?”
It appears that all is lost. Yet, when David prays, God responds. “Pursue the raiders.” In short, David’s men overtake the raiders, decimate their foes, capture their spoils, and recover all of their kidnapped family members. The victory is great and complete. Grief turns to joy!
What appears to be a tragedy is actually a transition. God, in his timing is finally bringing to pass the hope and promise of David’s anointing by Samuel as a shepherd boy. With Saul’s death in battle, David returns to Israel where he finally becomes king.
Now, what can we learn from this incident in the life of David?
First, no devastating circumstance catches God by surprise. God is absolutely aware of the details. After, all, He is God!
Second, when crisis and uncertainty come, pray. David asks God to strengthen him and guide him. “Lord, what do I do next?” is his prayer. And God answers with clear and specific direction. “Pursue!” When we are in the midst of a crisis, we can be bitter, angry, and fearful, or we can pray and trust God to guide us. Of course, this depends on our willingness to trust God that He actually is present and overseeing our lives.
Third, when God gives direction, obey. David did as God directed and everything lost was regained with the exception of his home’s location. God is now literally taking him home to fulfill his destiny.
And fourth, what appears initially to be a tragedy, is actually a transition. It might have been difficult to leave the security of Ziklag so its destruction (in God’s permissive will) actually allows the transition back to Israel to progress more smoothly. There is nothing left in Ziklag to go home to.
I believe what happened to David has been replicated in the lives of countless believers including myself. What on first sight appears to be a tragedy is actually God’s means to effect a transition. When we get to the place God is taking us, we then look back and understand what God was doing to get us where He wants us to be.
Can you recall a time when what first looked like a tragedy ended up being a transition? Please share in the comments.
Blessings,
J.S.
I can recall a number of times in my life that I thought were tragic at the time but looking back I see those times as God positioning me or moving me on to something better that He had for me. One of the more recent times was in 2009 after receiving my Education Specialist degree from Morehead State University, I returned to Nashville to what I thought was a counseling position that turned out to be a scam. I ended up on the streets living out of the Nashville Rescue Mission. Had I not gone through that and been at the Mission where I walked to church at Nashville First Nazarene Church where the Lord brought my husband and me together, my husband and I would not have the relationship we give God the glory for now. We tell people that neither of us is perfect but that we are perfect for each other. God knew what He was doing bringing us together. Together God has blessed us to develop a home business where I can set my own hours, exactly what I wanted and needed. I definitely see Romans 8:28 at work in my life--not everything that has happened to me has been good but God has brought good from those moments that appeared "tragic" at the time.
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