A significant shift occurred in my life a few years ago. I felt as though I would always be with this group of close friends. They appeared to love me as much as I did, and I loved these individuals very much. Before long, I began to realize that my friends had failed to support me in my time of need. Time flew by, quickly becoming less than what I had assumed would last forever. All of the dreams that God had given me seemed to be unattainable when I moved out of that community of friends. When I disagreed with their viewpoint, they began to believe that "I was not good enough," a number of the people I spent my life with began to shun me.
It wouldn't be enough to say that I was devastated. My back felt like it had been stabbed. My kids played with their kids, these are the people. I covered the cost of their meal when we went out to eat. I drove them home after we went out, but after it was all over, it seemed like I had no significance left. How many people have experienced that? Betrayed by those whom we considered to be our "friends"?
It reminds me of the story of David. Due to overwhelming envy, David found himself fleeing from Saul, whom he held in high respect. Saul believed David was out to get him so he could inherit his kingdom. Saul became so motivated by this that he attempted to assassinate David. In 1st Samuel 23:14, it says, “ David stayed in the wilderness strongholds and the hills of the desert of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God did not give David into his hands” (Bible Gateway, 2011). This line, which I adore, says that despite Saul's attempts to assassinate him “God did not give David into his hand” (Bible Gateway, 2011). I see God in everything as I go back to those years. God, like David, had his covering hand over me while my so-called "friends" attempted to quietly shun me. How many people can identify with this? You may have been ostracized or abandoned by others, but you are not alone, I want you to know. God is keeping you safe!
David understood that God had called him, but rumors from people he knew, including a close friend, forced him into hiding. During his attempts to SURVIVE, how did David feel? I also wonder how many of us left the church or our jobs because of rumors spread about us by those who were jealous of us or felt we weren't "good enough." Maybe as you were trying to step out in faith and follow God's calling, you started getting harassed by people because it was "Too Bold" or it went against their beliefs. So you fled and hid, just like David did as a result. Because of what happened to you, you believed that it was over. “I'm too hurt to continue”. It seems that you have chosen to withdraw and hide out in a physical space, such as your house. You got to believe that "I can't trust" is the reason I can't make friends. Perhaps it was spiritual, and you turned away from God because you felt unprotected by him, and you said “I am done.”.
Well, guess what I have encouragement for you! You are not done! You might feel defeated, but God is still working. In the bible, it says in 2nd Corinthians 12:9-10 “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness ”(Bible Gateway, 2011). Even though you might believe that your work is over, I want you to press on to God's promise for you because, like David, He will “...give your enemy into your hands to deal with them…”(Bible Gateway, 2011, 1st Samuel 24:4)
I adore David because he sought God's plan for his life and the lives of everyone around him, even while he was hiding. God knew his work was not finished, so even after taking Saul into his hands, David decided to allow him to live. Years ago, I found myself in a "cave" where I didn't trust anyone and wanted to keep to myself. The David story inspires me because it shows me that God had a plan for my life—and he still has a plan for yours—even when we find ourselves living in a cave.
I want to remind you that you have work still to do today. God has a lot planned for your life. Step out of hiding, both mentally and physically. Attend church, reconnect with friends, and—above all—remember who and what God has called you to be. We shall hide in caves during this life, but we must never lose sight of God's calling for our lives. One of the many inspirational biblical quotes that I love is Joshua 1:9 God has commanded you to "be courageous and strong." The Lord, your God, will be with you wherever you go, so do not be afraid or give up. (Bible Gateway, 2011).
Even while this world will not be without its difficulties, we have a God who will never abandon us, not even when we find ourselves in our caves hiding like David. You're far from finished! You have been called to be a member of God's kingdom, and there is yet so much more to accomplish for it. So keep in mind that YOU’RE NOT DONE when life becomes difficult!
Prayer:
I pray to you God on behalf of the person who is feeling stuck and is reading my blog. I pray for the person who felt rejected by others. I offer prayers for the person who desires to return to church but is unable to do so, because of painful memories from the past. I also offer prayers for the individual who declares, "I'm Done." Like David and me, may they be reminded of your calling for their lives. In their weakness, may you grow to be their strength, I pray. I ask that you let them know that you have big things in store for them and that they are not finished. We thank you that your plans will always supersede ours.
Reference
Bible Gateway (2011). Bible Gateway passage: 1 Samuel 23 - new international version. Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Samuel+23&version=NIV
Bible Gateway. (2011). Bible Gateway passage: 2 Corinthians 12 NIV - - bible gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%2BCorinthians%2B12&version=NIV
Bible Gateway (2011). Bible Gateway passage: 1 Samuel 24 - new international version. Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2024&version=NIV
Bible Gateway (2011). Bible Gateway passage: Joshua 9 - new international version. Bible Gateway.
4 comments
Thank you Alan for your words of encouragement! Hey Alan, thanks a lot for your encouraging words!
Great job Vio. Proud of you and how you’re using your voice.
Cari, it truly touched me to see how you turned to God for strength in that moment. It’s beautiful to witness your faith shining through.
It is in those moments of rejection, fear, solitude, and loneliness that we are able to overcome and reconnect with our Heavenly Father. It is this time where I have felt closest to God as I seek Him because I know it is He who I only trusted. Thank you for your wise words and ability to know that Jesus is life. He is the reason why we survive those seasons hence giving us opportunities to grow and become stronger believers.