“During the long war between the house of Saul and the house of David, David was growing stronger and the house of Saul was becoming weaker.”
2 Samuel 3:1 CSB
David prospered in the battle.
David did not initiate the battle between him and Saul. He didn’t want it. It took several death attempts for him to forsake his relationship with Saul. And when he left, all he had were 500 discontented, in debt, scoundrels. How could he possibly thrive against Israel’s mighty army?
This morning, I woke up thinking, “It’s almost over.” This school year has been an hellacious battle. Constantly trying to outwit students who are cheating, constantly feeling as if I’m talking to myself, constantly battling technology. At the end of the day, I have to ask myself. “Did I prosper in the battle?”
Battles come our way to prosper us, refine us, prune us, to make us stronger. God is not the author of the struggle but he doesn’t waste it either. What the enemy sends to destroy us, God uses to fortify us.
The enemy sent the storm to intimidate the disciples. Jesus used that same storm to teach Peter how to walk on water.
The enemy used the woman caught in adultery to shame and cause discord. Jesus used the same woman to demonstrate mercy and grace and set her free.
The enemy used a man name Saul to wreak havoc upon early Christians. Jesus used that same man to preach the Gospel to millions.
David didn’t waste his pain. Neither should we.
In times of uncertainty, we become more certain about who Christ is.
In times of struggle, we become more affixed to our Anchor.
In times of hopelessness, we cling to the Hope of nations.
In times of lack, we experience Jehovah Jireh, the Lord who provides.
In times of sickness, we gain greater revelation of how he was bruised for sins and by his stripes we are healed and whole.
Our battle gives us a greater revelation of who God is. That’s prospering in the battle.
Our battle teaches us new tools to defeat the enemy. That’s prospering in the battle.
Our battle builds our faith muscles. That’s prospering in the battle.
Our battle battles gives us faith to rescue others from the grips of the enemy. That’s prospering in the battle.
Sisters and brothers, don’t waste your pain. Jesus is in the storm with you and together you will prosper in the battle.