Everyone encounters obstacles when they seek to fulfill God’s purposes for their lives. Lies, curses and bad decisions from others can get you off track. To get you back on track, pray for discernment, be humble and teachable, allow friends to support you and trust God’s sovereignty. Let’s examine how David dealt with these obstacles so he could fulfill the will of God. Note: David was gullible and didn’t pray in the first episode.
Pray for Discernment
Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met David deceitfully with donkeys and supplies to meet the needs of his supporters. Ziba said that Mephibosheth, Saul’s son, would come to power after David and Absalom destroyed each other. David told Ziba to receive all that “belongs to Mephibosheth” (2 Sam. 16:1-4). Be on guard for those who try to take advantage and cause discord with friends through deceptive lies.
Humble and Teachable
Shimei, related to Saul, cursed David continually by throwing stones at him, his servants, the people and his mighty men. He said that the Lord returned all the bloodshed of Saul’s house upon him and gave the kingdom to Absalom (2 Sam. 16:5-8). Expect curses from enemies when you follow God’s plan for your life.
David said the Lord told Shimei to curse him. He said that “perhaps the Lord will look on my affliction and return good to me instead of his cursing this day.” David and the people went their way weary and he refreshed himself (2 Sam. 16:9-14). Be humble and seek to learn truth from critics.
Allow Friends to Support Your Interests
Hushai, David’s friend, told Absalom, “Long live the king!” Absalom asked why he didn’t show loyalty to David. Hushai said he would serve Absalom alone (2 Sam. 16:15-19). Let friends support your interests.
Trust God’s Sovereignty
Ahithophel’s advice to Absalom was to go into David’s concubines to strengthen Israel, which he did in the sight of all Israel. Ahithophel’s advice was like inquiring of God’s word (2 Sam. 16:20-23). Trust God’s sovereignty even when people make ungodly choices to hurt others.
Rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being lowest and 10 highest) on ways to overcome obstacles in fulfilling God’s purpose for your life:
1. I pray for discernment when someone says something negative about a friend
2. I am humble and teachable when I hear criticism
3. I allow friends to support my interests instead of me
4. I trust God’s sovereignty even when people make ungodly choices to hurt others
