(Read 1 Samuel 20:1-3)
This morning we continue our series “Grace that is Simply Amazing.” Last week we walked through the 19th chapter and this week we open up with the 20th. After the bizarre encounter that left three waves of Soldiers prophesying and the king himself prophesying uncontrollably, completely naked, David decided to leave Prophets Village (Naioth in Ramah). David went to see his covenant brother, the king’s son, prince Jonathan. He asked Jonathan, “Why does your father Saul want to kill me? What have I done wrong?” Jonathan naively replied, “My father can’t be trying to kill you! He never does anything without telling me about it. Why would he hide this from me? It can’t be true!” After everything Saul had done to David, Jonathan’s statement makes him sound clueless. However, it was because Saul was hiding what he was doing from Jonathan. David responded, “Jonathan, I swear it’s true! But your father knows how much you like me, and he didn’t want to break your heart. That’s why he didn’t tell you.” David knew the real deal and he was not upset with Jonathan’s naïveté, because he understood how deceptive Saul was being towards his own son.
David’s next statement is what jumped out at me this morning. David went on to say, “I swear by the living LORD and by your own life that I’m only one step ahead of death.” David knew the hand of God was on him, and I am sure he knew he was experiencing divine protection, but David was at the point of frustration. He felt like he was continually cheating death and it sounds like he was losing hope that he could continue to get out of Saul’s attacks. The spear attacks, the countless and seemingly unnecessary missions to the front lines, the bizarre incident in Prophets village, and life on the run were all getting to David. I will stop here for today.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things:
1. Don’t be surprised when you encounter conniving and deceptive people. I am not trying to turn you off from people, because the Lord wants us to have lasting and fruitful relationships, but I do want you to keep your trust in God and not in man. Even well intentioned people will sometimes do you wrong, but then again, there are others who will do all they can to stop you; using conniving and deceptive practices to turn others against you. So, when others come up against you, don’t be surprised by it and don’t be dismayed either. Just pray for them and keep your trust in God.
2. It’s okay to be honest about how you feel. Even the best of us get tired and frustrated. David was not superman and that is good news. God did not use perfect people, He just put His perfection in the flawed. David got upset, like we all do, and that reminds us that we can be real with God. Don’t put on a phony face when you talk to God in prayer. Remember, He knows your heart. Just be real with Him and let Him know when you are frustrated, disillusioned or even depressed. No matter how low you are, He can pick you up!
3. The Father won’t allow you to face what you can’t handle. David was frustrated, but the Lord knew he could take it and he would not allow Saul to take David past his breaking point. Guess what? He does the same for you. The Father will not allow you to face something that will completely break you. So, if you are facing it, then it is obvious that God trusts you with it and you can handle it.
4. The Lord always makes a way. No matter what Saul did, God was there for David every time. Not because David was in faith. Not because David was standing on a Word from the Lord. Not because David was connected with God in the spirit. No, God stepped in time after time by grace and grace alone. The Lord was protecting David for his purpose and He will do the same for you! He will make a way where there seems to be no way!
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for this teaching. I am not naive. I know there are people who are with me, but not for me. I know some people are conniving, deceptive and committed to doing me wrong. I am not surprised by their attacks and I keep my trust and confidence in You the entire time. That does not mean I never get upset, frustrated or tired of the attacks. On those occasions when I am down, I am honest with You. I tell You Father how I feel and how I need Your strength. You are always there for me, to pick me up, dust me off, and encourage me to keep going. I thank You Father for allowing me to be open and honest with You. You never look down on me and You always meet me where I am. Thank You For not allowing me to face what I cannot handle. If I am facing it, it is because You trust me with it, and by Your grace I shall overcome. Not because I am so great, not because my faith is flawless, not because I am perfect, but because of Your immeasurable grace and goodness towards me. You never leave me, nor forsake me. You are always there for me and You bless me — even when I don’t deserve it — to see Your best manifested time after time. Thank You Father for being so good to me! In Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
