I Samuel 17:16
“The Philistine came forward morning and evening for forty days and took his stand.”
The is a snapshot of a very difficult time for Israel. This is the fortieth day that they've been taunted by Goliath. Twice a day they were humiliated. Deliverance would happen this day. However it's importance to stop and remember this state. We will all be there multiple times in our lives. They were truly stuck. Israel saw no options. There was no warrior in Israel that could compete with Goliath. Falling under the power and enslavement of the Philistines felt like a very possible outcome.
They were feeling dread. They had no hope within their resources. They wished for a king. Here he was just as hopeless as the rest. They had no advantage. This was a bad place humanly speaking.
This is a desperate time. Some make some bad choices here. They may enter an unhealthy alliance to get help. Some may turn to substances or codependence. Some may flee to avoid this difficult problem. The darkness is the greatest just before dawn.
We can't allow desperation to lead us into foolish choices. We can continue to try honorable means all the while we are trusting in the Lord to help. Deliverance will come. Answers and options will come in His time.
The Lord wants us to trust Him. Proverbs 3:5, 6 says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight". We may be in the middle of a tough time in which we see no way out. The Lord will navigate us through it. Thank You, Lord.
He will do even more for us. Not only will He brilliantly bring us through, but He will give us peace and joy even while in the difficulty. Philippians 4:7 says, "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This is why Jesus could sleep while in a stormy boat. All others were panicking, but He had rest. He knew God wouldn't allow Him to perish.
He is at work in us at these times. He is the artist and the colors are dark. However, it's an important time. It's not a cheery, happy time. It's a different theme He working in us. Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life." I've heard it said the word workmanship is poema, as in poem. He is penning a touching poem in and through us.
A poem isn't just for us to enjoy. Others look on and the Lord blesses them and gives them hope. Yes, we go through those difficult times. These produce the touching themes that resinate with others.
Lord, thank You that the tough times aren't wasted. You use it all. You work within us and make something good. You use that to bless others. Thank You, Lord.