I Samuel 17:2
“Saul and the men of Israel were gathered and camped in the valley of Elah, and drew up in battle array to encounter the Philistines.”
While Israel battled other enemies, the country that was a history long foe were the Philistines. They were a constant threat. Many might not be bible literate, but they still may have heard that the Philistines were the classical enemy of Israel.
I Corinthians 10:11 gives us the reason for all of Israel's struggles. "Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come." It's for us to learn. We're to gain insight from their pitfalls and experiences, so we could gain hope and to avoid mistakes.
As Israel struggled with lifelong enemies, we may as well. This news may sound discouraging, as some may hope that they may be rid of their issues. Others may gain hope, as the one nation the Lord used to teach us had long struggles, we may as well.
Paul had a lifelong struggle. Some think it was very poor eyesight. Whatever it was, he vigorously attempted to be rid of it. God answers him in 2 Corinthians 12:9, 'And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.' Verse 8 says that He asked the Lord three times to remove this. Verse 9 is the Lord's answer.
Paul not only accepted it, but saw it as something that kept Him ready and useable as a vessel of the Lord. That's a great attitude. God allows us to remain in particular struggles for our benefit. They may have been the source of grief, but we should see them as allies. This doesn't mean we stop the struggle and give in to the weakness, but not to get discouraged. The Lord will keep us in Him and from temptation.
Some are rid of their maladies in an instant for time. We are to rejoice with them. Others have lifelong struggles. God loves them equally and does what's best for us all. The Lord knows what's best for each of us. Some need that struggle to keep them close and dependent on the Lord. If they were free, they might stray from Him.
The Lord sees fit to release some from them. What an amazing testimony to be in bondage going in a bad direction, only to be freed by His power. What a great demonstration of love. Jesus when He walked the earth delivered some from some horrible situations. Some suffered for long seasons. Some were born blind. Only to receive their sight. Lazarus got his life back. What a great God to do great things. This type of deliverance also gives hope to others in bondage.
Whichever situation we find ourselves in, we are to trust. He will give us enough help to make our joy complete. We aren't to be envious how He works With others. We don't know the entirety of their stories nor do we understand what God has for us. We can bless God with them, "rejoice with those who rejoice".
Lord, thank You that You use all that happens in our lives to make us better. Help us to be patient and trusting.