We have been studying the book of 2 Samuel in my discipleship group. It seems that no matter what book we are going through, we have real life experiences that relate directly to our study. God loves to give us that practical teaching! During this particular season, as the story sometimes goes, many of us have encountered similar trials. During this time, I have felt mistreated and devalued by someone in a position of leadership who has a very direct impact in my life. The way I've been treated has hit very close to home, and caused me a lot of grief.
In looking back over my life, like many of you, I have experienced hardships. Every time a situation happens in my life that brings turmoil, I want out of it ... I want it gone ... I begin to get stressed and anxious and am frankly shocked that such a thing is happening.
Yet God tells us we will have trials!
John 16:33 I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world YOU WILL HAVE TRIALS. Take heart, I have overcome this world!
Why do they take us so off guard?
David was pursued by his enemy (Saul) in the wilderness for the majority of Saul's reign as king - 42 years!
Yes God continuously delivered him, but he did not stop the trials from happening!
What did David do? He didn't focus on the trials. He worshipped the Lord for delivering Him.
Psalms written by David -
Psalm 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all.
Psalm 37:40 And the Lord shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, And save them, Because they trust in Him.
Psalm 40:1-3 I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry, He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet up on a rock And established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth - Praise to our God.
Rather than putting all of my focus on escaping my current trial, I realize that this life IS a trial. This life is full of trials. Yes God has delivered and saved me from many a hardship and I am in awe of His protection and provision. Yet still more trials come.
God teaches us through trials, He molds us. Rather than focusing on escaping, we must focus on trusting.
You know the great news? We have unlimited access to Gods persevering power. We can tap into it any time we chose. Our job is to trust God, and surrendering to His will. His job is to preserve and defend us!
2 Samuel 8:6 - the Lord perserved David wherever he went.
2 Samuel 22:31 - He is a shield to all who trust in Him
God called David a man after His own heart! Yet David experienced war and death and loss and persecution!
2 Samual 12 tells us that Davids son was sick, and David pleaded with the Lord and fasted and layed on the ground all night. The Lord took his son from David, he died. The very next thing the bible tells us that, David arose from the ground and changed his clothes; went into the house of the Lord and worshipped.
Yes, we are called to have joy through our trials. To count it all joy. Our God IS love. He IS grace. He IS comfort. He IS wisdom. He IS omnipresent and always with us. Trust that ALL that He does is good.
Tonight before I sat down to write, I went on a sunset run by the waterfront. As I was running along the pier, a woman who could not walk was being pushed alongside. She had a sincere smile on her face and was waving her hands in the air, enjoying every moment and full of gratitude. Her heart was joyful.
Without God in a trial all I experienced was pain. With God, I also experience peace and perseverance and freedom and growth. I grow closer to God and for that I'll rejoice.
We are here on this earth for a short time and it isn't pain free - but it is beautiful.
We have heaven to look forward to, where there is perfect harmony. But for now, there will be trials.
If there is anything you'd like prayer, let me know I would love to pray for you.
If there is anything you'd like prayer, let me know I would love to pray for you.
In love,
Meagan
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