It is difficult to live this life without facing some sort of daily battles. There are relational, dietary, educational, employment, and spiritual battles, just to name a few. The truth is, how we deal with these battles will cause us to grow weaker or to grow stronger.
In I Samuel 18:6-8 we read about a relational battle between David and Saul. The two of them started out with respect for one another until Saul overheard the ladies in the city singing about him killing his 1,000’s and David killing his 10,000’s.
Saul’s heart became jealous and while entertaining that spirit he tried to kill David (18:10-11) but, twice he was able to escape.
Later Saul gave his daughter, Michal, to David without requiring a bride price. Instead he was sent him out not only to avenge the king but was challenged him to bring back 100 Philistine foreskins hoping that David would fall by the hands of the enemy. (18:25)
In chapter 19 verse 1 Saul conversed with his son, Johnathan, and all of his servants telling them that they needed to kill David. However, since David had already found favor with Johnathan he was warned and given instructions as to how to stay safe. (19:2-3)
But, Saul continued to be motivated by that evil spirit (9-10) and made yet another attempt for David’s life. But, once again, David escaped.
In a relentless effort, Saul sent (vs. 11-17) his personal messengers to go to David’s house with instructions to kill him in the morning hours. Michal got wind of it and helped him escape that very night then lied to Saul’s messengers when they came inside to look for him.
It is really interesting to see that David had found favor with those of Saul’s own household…his own children. And, as we continue reading I Samuel we will see that they continued to protect David.
In Chapter 23 we see how he dealt with this ongoing battle even without the families help. David turns to the Lord for wisdom each time he learns about threats against his life. (vs.1-2, 3-5, 8-13)
The battle continues when Saul sends his men after David (19:20-23) when he fled to Naioth in Ramah. Here again Johnathan intervenes (20:1-42)
Reading forward, we see several times when David inquired of the Lord (23:1-5, 7-14) for His wisdom. And, there were also times, without David even asking, that the Lord stepped in and supernaturally intervened for him (23:25-28) but, that didn’t deter Saul. He continued to pursue David with because of the evil spirit that motivated him. (24:2-4)
When reading these verses you will see that David had an opportunity to finally put an end to Saul but in a small attempt to do that his heart quickly arrested him. (24:5-16) His spirit just wouldn’t allow him to touch God’s anointed.
If you have followed this teaching by reading the chapters and verses out of your Bible you will have seen just how devious Saul was and how honorable David acted through it all.
I encourage you to continue reading all the way through to II Samuel 3:1 where the scripture says, “Now there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David, but David grew stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.”
Clearly, after reading these passages we can see why David grew stronger and Saul grew weaker. David honored God even before this battle with Saul began (I Samuel 17: 26, 37). Honoring God is how David lived and so he found favor with Him as well as with man.
If your battles cause you to grow weaker and weaker you may need to consider who you are honoring and what spirit motivates you. If you remember, Saul did have times when he’d experience a change of heart and ask David’s forgiveness. (If you have read this account along the way you will know what I am talking about here. If you haven’t, go back and read…it gives a detailed account of how many times he did that…is worth the time it takes.) However, he never took the time to deal with the evil spirit that hung around. He allowed that spirit of jealousy to rise up again and again which tried to destroy David.
Be honest with yourself. What happens when you get into a battle? Do you consistently honor God no matter how long or difficult the battle? Or do you from time to time allow an evil spirit to motivate you which zaps your strength and removes the favor of God from you?
If you need to repent He is faithful and just to forgive you and cleanse you. (I John 1:9) Don’t wait! You can grow stronger no matter the type or duration of the battle. It is vital to always inquire of the Lord every step of the way so He can direct you, give you favor, and strengthen you all the way to victory.
Blessings,
Dr. Terry
“If your battles cause you to grow weaker and weaker you may need to consider who you are honoring and what spirit motivates you.”
Powerful advice, Terry. Thank you.
Thanks Semone, We all need to be reminded at times. And, I appreciate you reading and responding.