As Christians, we know that there will be trials to face; and we are to be joyful when those trials come our way, because we know that trials that test our faith will produce perseverance (James 1:2-4).
Most people think about the story of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17) when they are thinking about the trials in their lives. I mean, why not? I have had plenty of Goliaths in my life, and in those moments it has done me well to remember the sheer faith and courage that David had when he faced such a warrior with just a stone and a sling. What happens when God doesn’t send you Goliath at all; but rather, a Saul instead?
Now, let me start off by saying that I have been enduring one of the longest trials that I have had in a long time. The nature of this trial may seem small, and insignificant to some people, but, the truth is, it is so intricate and complicated simply because it started out as an unlikely friendship. The things that happened leading up to that friendship and the events that happened afterwards all fit together like these wonderful little building blocks for a city of disaster. What’s even more difficult for me to grasp is that God knew. He knew what was going to happen, and he knew how each of us would react. It was a test. It still is a test. One of my favorite songs comes to mind, “Thy Will” by Hillary Scott. Part of a verse in the song goes as follows:
“I don’t wanna think
I may never understand
That my broken heart is a part of your plan
When I try to pray
All I’ve got is hurt and these four words
Thy will be done”
This past year has been so hard. I have spent so much of my time wondering, and asking, “What did I do?”. David also frequently asks, “What have I done? What is my crime?” (1 Samuel 20). Job has always come to my mind when thinking about suffering and endurance for the sake of God. I had no idea that I could relate to David so specifically. Friendship and servitude, fear and frustration turned into persecution, deliverance was met with mercy, and still, Saul pursues David with the intent to take his life. I am definitely not saying that I feel like my life is, or has been in danger, but I have been relentlessly pursued with intent to cause harm emotionally, and professionally. I believe the modern term is defamation of character. Every single time I turn around, I am having to deflect the falsehoods that are being spoken about myself, my family and my businesses. All the while, I am just trying to hang on for dear life to my shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16), but the flaming arrows just keep coming.
So how do you overcome such attacks? How to you get out of the corner that you’ve been backed into, without lashing out like a scared and beaten lion? How do you react when God delivers your attacker within reach and you have every opportunity to take them down for all that they have done to you? We know what David did; 1 Samuel 24:3-7 tells us that Saul had unknowingly walked into the cave where David had been hiding, David then, snuck up on Saul and cut off a piece of Saul’s robe. He was so close. Scripture goes on to tell us that immediately afterward, David was conscience-stricken, and he told his men that the Lord forbade that he do such a thing, or lay a hand on him, for Saul was anointed of the Lord. Yes, sometimes the evildoers in our lives are the ones who also claim to be for the Lord. And, the Lord really did have Saul anointed before becoming King. David even went a step further, and also did not allow his men to attack Saul either. What? Would you go that far to spare your enemy’s life? Or would you look away, while someone else took over and continued to spread the hate? David easily could have let one of his men harm Saul and they could have been done fleeing for their lives.
So the answer? You show them mercy. Not only do you spare them of the hate and agony that they have caused you, but you let them go— unharmed. These are the words that David said to Saul after revealing that he was the one who cut his robe, “May the Lord judge between you and me. And may the Lord avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you.” (1 Samuel 24:12) That is so powerful. I strongly encourage you to take the time to read all of 1 Samuel in one sitting, and truly pray to understand the humility that is required to love someone who hates you so much. It’s not easy. Another thing to remember is that God never left David. You are not alone in your suffering, and neither am I. God promises to protect us (Isaiah 43:1-3). He is here, and He is waiting for us to transform our hearts and come closer to Him.
The story doesn’t end there, or even end on a good note, not even with a mutual respect for one another. Wouldn’t that be a nice ending to a particularly trying time in someones life? Especially if Saul turned his heart back to the Lord and repented? Oh no, Saul continues to pursue David, even after he knows that his life was spared, and David ends up having to flee into Philistine territory after sparing Saul’s life for a SECOND time. That is where David finally finds refuge, amongst previous enemies. Saul ends up taking his own life on the battlefield and David is finally released from his heavy pursuit. But, what is David suppose to take from all of this? Why did David have to endure so much for seemingly such a rapid conclusion? PERSEVERANCE. “Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5)
I am still in the midst of my trial, so I do not know how or when this testimony will come to an end; I do know, however, that I am going to strive to have the humility, courage and faith that David did and I pray that God will bless me with the perseverance that I need to face whatever is ahead of me in my future. I will not return the wickedness that has been done to me, and I will not allow anyone to harm my fellow sister in Christ, even if she is not willing to do the same for me.
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