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An Ancient Lesson In Unwavering Faith
Imagine a small band of weary travelers moving across rugged terrain at the mercy of a foreign king. They are uncertain of the future, battered by years of hardship, and seeking much needed refuge.
This bleak scene is found in 1 Samuel 22, and it highlights a time when David was on the run for his life, having just escaped to the cave Adullam, fearing certain death if he’s discovered by King Saul and his army.
His family heard of the plight and went down to meet him, along with a group of discontented stragglers looking for leadership. Turmoil rose from all sides, and began to play out against the backdrop of a high stakes hide and seek match between tried and true warriors who once shared close friendship.
A Personal Impact
Several years ago, this passage took on special meaning for me. I sensed the unrest beneath black and white ink-stained pages, and one powerful phrase jumped out in a way I’d never noticed before.
Isn’t it interesting how that happens?
Scripture we’ve read over in the past can suddenly come alive in a moment of need, and for me it was verse three that brought fresh perspective one morning during my quiet time.
David took his father and mother before the king of Moab, and said,
“Let my father and mother, I pray thee, come forth, and be with you, till I know what God will do for me.”
Thinking of David in distress, nine little words brought unexpected tears to the surface.
Til I Know What God Will Do For Me
When I wonder if God has forgotten.
When I don’t know what’s next.
And when it seems there’s no way a situation will turn around for good.
I can’t say for sure, but if I were to guess, these thoughts cloud your mind sometimes too, though the moments are likely much less dramatic than what unfolded in ancient Moab.
But very real all the same, aren’t they?
If we look further back into the story, David was anointed King of Israel as a young shepherd in his father’s field, but all these years later, still not appointed to the throne. In some of the darkest moments of his life, he surely must have wondered how God would fulfill the prophecy, yet he didn’t let it stop him from maintaining a steadfast belief that somehow, some way, God would come through.
Even when all hope seemed lost, this firm touchstone steadied, strengthened and stabilized him.
Till I know what God will do for me.
The phrase can easily be passed over without much thought, but it stands to notice that mindset matters. The future king couched his words as an expression of faith that would resonate through the tunnels of time, and in a modern era filled with different problems, they still hold true today.
For me.
And for you.
Life experiences come wrapped with the potential to shake our confidence, but they can’t compare to the power of God.
Our seasons of uncertainty are small stepping stones toward the next phase of God’s purpose filled plan.
May that truth always be enough to carry us through.
It’s amazing how words jump off the page sometimes, and these are words of patient expectation and faith in a God who has acted in the past–so He will surely come through in the future!
Thanks, for sharing your ponderings!
Thank you, Michele! Yes, when we judge the future by the past, it’s reassuring to know He will come through again. I really appreciate you taking time to read the post and share your heart.
When I read your post this morning it reminded me of a time about a year and a half after my house fire. I was at a ladies meeting where a sister spoke about trials in life, her personal testimony of a daughter that got entangled in drugs. It put my trial into perspective, mine was hard but hers unless God stepped in and did a miracle would be a lifetime of struggles. She gave God all the glory of his strength, grace and mercy that had brought her through the dark days. That night in our hotel room I woke up with this thought, “I’m not for certain why He has been so good, but if we stay here a little while, I know he will be good again!” The sister instructed us “Don’t stay in the “why department” too long.
Your words…”And when it seems there’s no way a situation will turn around for good.” It made me think back to that time in my life, and encouraged me one more time.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, I hope this wasn’t too long of a comment! ❤️
Thank you so much for sharing this today. The comment wasn’t too long at all, I truly enjoyed your words. Putting the hard things into perspective is so important, and hearing your testimony always encourages me. I appreciate your thoughtful reflection, and the reminder of how all our stories matter to help strengthen each other!