When God Allows Crisis

Verse: 1 Samuel 20:3

"But David answered Jonathan, 'There is only a step between me and death.'"

David, the newly anointed king of Israel, was on the run for his life. King Saul, who had once been like a father to him, was now determined to kill him. Saul's jealousy and anger had consumed him, and he was relentless in his pursuit of David. Despite Jonathan's efforts to protect him, David knew that his life was in grave danger. He felt like he was just one step away from death.

In the midst of this chaos and uncertainty, Jonathan tried to offer David some words of encouragement. He hinted that God would deliver David from all his enemies, but David couldn't even bear to think about it. He was too consumed by fear and anxiety. God could have easily delivered David from Saul's wrath, but instead, He chose to allow David to go through this difficult time.

Jonathan, however, was instrumental in helping David escape from Saul's clutches. He came up with a simple plan to help David flee, and it was just enough to give David the opportunity to escape. But even though David was safe for the time being, he was still deeply affected by the experience. He had come face to face with the reality of his own mortality, and it had shaken him to his core.

This experience was a crucible for David, a testing ground for his faith and trust in God. It was a reminder that when we are anointed by God, we are not immune to difficulties and challenges. In fact, we may face even greater obstacles and trials. But it is in these moments that we must learn to trust in God's sovereignty and providence.

Interestingly, while David was going through this crisis, he was actually being elevated by God, even though it didn't feel like it at the time. God was refining him, testing his faith, and preparing him for the great things He had in store for him. On the other hand, Saul was declining, his jealousy and anger consuming him, ultimately leading to his downfall.

It's also worth noting that this chapter in David's life is not the final chapter of his story, but rather one of the final chapters of Saul's. As we continue to follow David's journey, we will see how God ultimately delivers him from his enemies and establishes him as the king of Israel.

David's story teaches us that even when we are walking in obedience to God's will, we may still face severe crises and challenges. We may feel like we are just one step away from death, like David did. But it is in these moments that we must choose to trust in God, even when we don't understand what He is doing. We must learn to surrender to His will, even when it seems untoward or difficult.

As we reflect on David's story, let us remember that God is always in control, even when our circumstances seem out of control. Let us learn to trust in His sovereignty and providence, and let us surrender to His will, even when it is difficult.

Prayer:

Dear God, help us to trust in Your sovereignty and providence, even when our circumstances seem difficult or uncertain. Give us the courage to surrender to Your will, even when it seems untoward or challenging. Thank you for the example of David, who learned to trust in You even in the midst of great danger and uncertainty. Amen.