Their Sabotage Is God's Path For Success | 1 Samuel 18:12-16

Are you being set up for an impossible task?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are reading 1 Samuel 18. I've titled this chapter "Allies and Adversaries."

Yesterday, we explored the time bomb of jealousy and anger through the actions of Saul and David in contrast. Now let's see how David moves through this experience in verses 12-16:

Saul was afraid of David because the Lord was with him but had departed from Saul. So Saul removed him from his presence and made him a commander of a thousand. And he went out and came in before the people. And David had success in all his undertakings, for the Lord was with him. And when Saul saw that he had great success, he stood in fearful awe of him. But all Israel and Judah loved David, for he went out and came in before them. — 1 Samuel 18:12-16

This situation was a total setup by King Saul. We all have been victims of this type of deliberate manipulation. If you're envious and afraid of someone you see as a rival, you set them up to fail in front of their supporters. You give them an impossible task that will turn the people against them.

Human reason would suggest King Saul's plan was a "killer" plan. Keep in mind that David was only 15-17 years old. He couldn't even serve in the Israelite Army until he was 20, much less command a thousand troops. In Saul's mind, this "promotion" was a remedy for disaster. That is until we read verse 14 (our key verse of this chapter), where we learn that David was not only a giant killer but a killer leader. He's the golden boy, so Saul's devious plan backfires, further establishing David's fame.

I don't know if you know or have met people like this, but it can be mesmerizing and irritating at the same time, which is precisely what happens in our story. David is further mesmerizing to the people and further irritating to Saul.

But I want to draw attention to a tiny, often ignored detail.

When we have an anchored identity in Christ, the challenges before us look less challenging. Think about David and all the challenges he has faced over the last two chapters. He has been bullied by brothers, battled a giant, removed from his home, forced to play music before a bipolar-possessed jealous and angry king, and is now given an impossible job. How does a believer handle these challenges? Anchoring their identity and living by faith in the Lord is the only way.

Anchor your identity in the Lord. Refuse to let today's challenges alter your perception of God or shift your thinking about your relationship with the Lord. Have unwavering faith that God will abundantly provide all the resources you need. God has people and resources everywhere. He will undoubtedly supply what you need for your challenge, but you must trust God's unwavering strength and provision and boldly step into the challenge.

#FaithInChallenges, #GodsProvision, #OvercomingObstacles

Ask This:

1. What are some "impossible tasks" you’ve faced that seemed designed to make you fail? How did trusting in God’s strength change your perspective or outcome?
2. When you feel set up for failure, how can you better anchor your identity in Christ to face challenges with boldness and faith?

Do This:

Anchor your identity and have faith.

Pray This:

Lord, when I face impossible tasks, help me to trust in Your strength and provision rather than my abilities. Anchor my identity in You, and give me the courage to step boldly into every challenge, knowing You will guide me through. Amen.

Play This:

Nothing is Impossible.