Encountering the Sauls in Our Lives

"Don't be afraid," he said. "My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this." -1 Samuel 23:17

Have you ever had a dream or goal that someone in your life was jealous over? This could be a supervisor, spiritual leader, friend, or family member. Have you ever had a boss who may have seemed threatened with your anointing or gifting? This was the case for David.

Anointed to be king when he was just a boy and serving under the reign of Saul, as he grew older, David evoked such jealousy

in Saul that Saul tried to kill him! But David stayed pure in heart in spite of Saul's schemes and found strength in God even in the midst of his circumstances. "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." -Psalm 73:26

There are some things David did that we should consider emulating when we find ourselves in tough spots when it comes to bosses, co-workers, or friends who appear to be threatened or jealous. David never tried to overthrow Saul by his own strength. Although he had the chance to kill Saul, he never did because he knew if he did, he would be taking matters into his own hands. Saul eventually killed himself by falling on his own sword. (1 Samuel 31:4) David simply served Saul until it was time for him to become king. And God used these experiences to purify David's heart and to test him.

Do you have people in your life who are like Saul, (perhaps unknowingly), trying to discourage you from your purpose? Are you prepared to let God fight those battles for you and stay pure in heart, focused on Him?

Related resource: A Daily Invitation to Friendship With God: Dreaming with God to Transform Your World by Bill Johnson

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