Scripture:
1 Samuel 29:6-11 ESV
[6] Then Achish called David and said to him, “As the Lord lives, you have been honest, and to me it seems right that you should march out and in with me in the campaign. For I have found nothing wrong in you from the day of your coming to me to this day. Nevertheless, the lords do not approve of you. [7] So go back now; and go peaceably, that you may not displease the lords of the Philistines.” [8] And David said to Achish, “But what have I done? What have you found in your servant from the day I entered your service until now, that I may not go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?” [9] And Achish answered David and said, “I know that you are as blameless in my sight as an angel of God. Nevertheless, the commanders of the Philistines have said, ‘He shall not go up with us to the battle.’ [10] Now then rise early in the morning with the servants of your lord who came with you, and start early in the morning, and depart as soon as you have light.” [11] So David set out with his men early in the morning to return to the land of the Philistines. But the Philistines went up to Jezreel.
Observation:
From the scripture chosen this morning. What you can’t see is that GOD is keeping David from something that would have not been good for him. The Philistines were about to go into battle, and honestly, war is what David was made for. This seems like a good fit. You put the man of war in a position where he can do what he does best. So what was different about this battle and why did GOD not want David to be a part? The explanation is in the chapter just before this one. Saul had gone to a medium to see what was going to happen in this battle. Only to find out that what was told to him by Samuel, the profit of GOD. Was about to take place. This battle would be the one that would end all the hiding David was having to do. Saul and his sons would lose their lives and David would step into the position and calling that GOD had placed on him. GOD knew this because HE stands outside of time. HE did not want David’s hand to be a part of it. So what seemed to be a good fit…was simply not going to work in GOD’s plan. David was obedient even though it did not make sense to him and went against everything he knew. He trusted that GOD knew what HE was doing.
Application:
Have you ever had someone tell you that you can’t be a part of something that you know how to do really well? What did you do? How did you react? Did you throw a fit?…but you don’t understand I was made for this. GOD sees what you can’t. HIS plan is perfect, and maybe just maybe HE is doing something you can’t see. Maybe HE is moving something out of the way so that you can step into your rightful position and know that it was HIM who put you there. I know that in my life I have gotten in a hurry only to find out that I am where I’m supposed to be. I’m just there too soon, and my spot is not ready yet. I want to challenge you this morning…get out of the way…let GOD do what HE is going to… it’s about HIS glory, not yours. When we do things by our own hands we can take credit that is not ours. Let’s just get out of the way, and let GOD do HIS thing. You will get to where GOD wants you to be. All you have to do is listen to HIS voice. HIS plan is perfect and HIS timing is even better. Trust HIM and you will not have to force anything. It will all happen seemingly without effort. A door will open up that you can just walk through. Saul was killed in that battle along with his sons, and it was not David’s hands that did it. GOD opened the door David walked right into where he was meant to be. It can happen in the same way for you. I know it will for me.
Prayer:
Father, let us listen for your voice and be willing to get out of the way. We do not want or need credit for what you are doing, and we need to see that it was your hand and not ours that got us to where we are at. We trust you, and know that you have us right where we need to be. We do not want to get in a hurry. Your timing is perfect. We know that when we rush things we know are your will. We can get to where we are supposed to to early and not be ready for it. Father, make us ready, prepare our hearts. We know you have called us. Let us find obedience as we wait for the open doors. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.