Inspirational Message: Daniel Strengthened Himself in the Lord!

Stories in First Samuel illustrate God’s power and how He works to make sure things turn out according to His plans. David had fled his homeland and settled with the Philistines. When those people went to war against Israel, David was expected to fight against his own people, but God had chosen David to be the king of Israel. He would never have been king if he fought on the side of the Philistines. Also because some Philistines rulers questioned David’s loyalties, they refused to let him go to war with them! In the meantime, God was at work making sure that David became king.

For us today, it is so comforting to know that God is at work for our benefit. We may or may not see miracles or hear God speak, but in all that happens, God works for our good (Romans 8:28).

What kind of soldier was David? When David and his men came to Zik Lag, they found it totally destroyed by fire. The wives and other family members were taken captive. By the way, David and his men broke down and wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep! David’s two wives, Ahinoam and Abigail had been spared their lives.

David was greatly distressed because the men were talking about stoning him, but his strength was found in the Lord his God. Later David inquired of the Lord, if he should pursue this raiding party. Could they have been overcome? How did God answer David? God advised David to pursue them because they would be overtaken with a successful rescue!

In David’s lifetime just as it has been with us, God has rescued us many times from dangers and evil situations. God makes a way in dangerous seen and unseen.

David experienced some big changes when Samuel grew old, the people (Israelites) demanded a king. Because Saul, the first king was disobedient, God chose David to replace him. The book of First Samuel tells of Saul’s jealousy of David; the hostility and so much about the difficult years. All of those events occurred between 1060BC and 1010BC. With iron weapons and other means of warfare, God being in control, decided that David would eventually become king regardless of many difficult years. Let us continue to let God fight our battles!

Mrs. Gladys R. McElmore, a resident of Norfolk’s Middle Town Arch Community, is a New Journal and Guide Freelance Contributor on religion. She is a native of Essex County, Va.