Doing God’s Will or Labeling Things ‘God’s Will’
9 David knew that Saul was plotting harm against him. And he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod here.” 10 Then David said, “O Lord, the God of Israel, your servant has surely heard that Saul seeks to come to Keilah, to destroy the city on my account. 11 Will the men of Keilah surrender me into his hand? Will Saul come down, as your servant has heard? O Lord, the God of Israel, please tell your servant.” And the Lord said, “He will come down.” 12 Then David said, “Will the men of Keilah surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul?” And the Lord said, “They will surrender you.” 1 Samuel 23:9–12 Read More
David is doing everything right. He inquired of the Lord before fighting, and he is here asking the Lord about what city to go to and what to do next. He is seeking the advice of the Lord at every turn.
Saul, on the other hand, is viewing his circumstances, and whenever it turns to his favor, gives glory to God. “God has given David in my hand” he said, one time when he had only heard a report of where David could be.
It’s a big deal whether we treat the Lord like a master or like a servant. Even if it is only giving credit for events, it is important to fully understand this God that we talk about. He is able to bring ‘good’ or ‘bad’ upon us. He can make things difficult or easy at any moment. At the same time, He respects our freedom and will let us get ourselves into trouble. He will let us cause ourselves more problems, and sometimes leave us in that problem for long long time.
There are places in the Bible where God gave something to someone that they wanted, but it lead to their downfall. It is His mercy and grace that gives gifts to us while we don’t even know how to be responsible for those gifts.
David’s life doesn’t just become easy because David is inquiring and following the Lord. Actually, with the events that have been happening and those that will follow, he might have even wondered if he was being blessed or cursed! Many of the things God leads David into are life and death exploits.
Jesus said that whoever didn’t take up their cross and follow Him wasn’t worthy to be His disciple. David is going from city to city now, following God and fighting whoever God tells him to. Saul has fought a few battles, but even now, when searching for David, he sends many advanced troops to make very very sure that David is where they think he is. He isn’t taking any chances on a surprise attack.
Once again, David is in a state of active submission. He is following God’s wishes for him even though he doesn’t now where they go. God is showing him caves and forests to hide in, while David still remembers that he was anointed king. Instead of taking action and then afterward saying “God wills it!” David is asking God, “What is your will?” and then being used by God to accomplish it.
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