Four lessons about times when our “work for God doesn’t go according to plan”
In Parts 1-2 of David’s story from 1 Samuel 27-30 we considered the first two lessons his example illustrates about times when our “work for God doesn’t go according to plan.” We noted that in such times discouragement is normal. We also saw how discouragement makes us vulnerable to Satan’s temptation. David gave in to temptation, forgot God’s promises, lost hope that God would work, and ended up living like an unbeliever. Yesterday’s posting ended on a negative note. At this point we take up the story again.
Lesson 3 – God’s work goes forward even when we are paralyzed by discouragement and unbelief
It might be good to pause here, take a step backward and look at the third lesson illustrated by this story. When we do, we begin to see things from God’s perspective. God’s work was not “put on hold” because of David’s fall into sin. God’s work went forward even though David’s was paralyzed by discouragement and unbelief.
In our discouragement, it is easy to begin thinking God’s work depends on us. Remember Elijah? To paraphrase his words, he told God in his discouragement,
“I have been very zealous for God’s work, but now even I have not succeeded. No one’s left. Your project has failed, God.” (1 Kings 19:14-18)
God told him, in effect,
Not so. My work goes forward. What you started will be continued by Elisha, Jehu and Hazael. I know what I’m doing. And you’re not the only one. I have 7000 others you know nothing about that are serving me.
When David fled to Philistine territory God’s work went forward. God used the 16 months David was in Ziklag to continue preparing David to be king.
- David learned lessons about the enemy he would later fight
- David learned new lessons about how to organize a kingdom (from the more advanced civilization and government structures present among the Philistines)
- David, when he lived in enemy territory fought against the Amalekites, enemies of God’s people.
The same thing happens when we are paralyzed by discouragement, doubt and unbelief. God is not taken by surprise. His work goes forward, not because of us, but in spite of us.
