When your enemy says you can’t…

David then led his men to Jerusalem to fight against the Jebusites, the original inhabitants of the land who were living there. The Jebusites taunted David, saying, “You’ll never get in here! Even the blind and lame could keep you out!” – 2 Samuel 6:6

David, who was now anointed King of Israel, did exactly what his enemies said he could never do. Jerusalem became his home and is still referred to as the City of David today. When what we face seems impossible and those around us are reminding us of what we can never accomplish, we must remember that the Lord of Heaven’s Armies are with us when God asks us to do something.

And David became more and more powerful, because the Lord of Heaven’s Armies was with him. – 1 Chronicles 11:9; 2 Samuel 5:10

When things don’t go your way…

David made two attempts to bring the Ark of God to Jerusalem. The first attempt was going well at first and David and all the people of Israel were celebrating before the Lord, singing songs and playing all kinds of musical instruments. But when the oxen stumbled and Uzzah reached out to steady the Ark of God, he fell down dead because the Lord’s anger was aroused. The celebration ceased and David gave up on doing what God had called him to do. Things were not going his way and he let grief and discouragement sidetrack him from the mission (2 Sam. 6:1-11).

David was now afraid of God, and he asked, “How can I ever bring the Ark of God back into my care?” – 1 Chron. 13:12

When God does not move as we want Him to or as expect Him to, how do we react? Do we let fear keep us from trusting God with what comes next? Do we let tragedy paralyze us?

When we stop to praise God six steps in…

Three months later, David tried again to bring the Ark of God to Jerusalem. This time was different for David. His men took six steps with the Ark of God and David stopped the procession to sacrifice a bull and a fattened calf. Just six steps into the journey and David was stopping to make a sacrifice of praise.

And David danced before the Lord with all his might… – 1 Sam. 6:14a
So all Israel brought up the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant with shouts of joy, the blowing of rams’ horns and trumpets, the crashing of cymbals, and loud playing on harps and lyres…King David skipping about and laughing with joy… – 1 Chron. 15:28-29

When our praise is for the Lord’s sake and not for others…

David let out all the stops for this celebration! The Levites formed a choir of singers and musicians (1 Chron. 15:16) and David danced before the Lord in praise and thanksgiving. His wife Michal was ashamed of his behavior and David responded: “I was dancing before the Lord, who chose me above your father and all his family! He appointed me as the leader of Israel, the people of the Lord, so I celebrate before the Lord. Yes and I am willing to look even more foolish than this, even to be humiliated in my own eyes…” (2 Sam. 6:21-22).

Oh the joy of worshipping before the Lord for His eyes only! God welcomes our exuberant expressions of joy and He delights in our uninhibited worship when it is for Him only. Oh the glory we bring to God when we dance and sing as David did when the Ark of God entered into the special tent David had prepared for it.

“Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness.
Let the whole world know what he has done.
Sing to him; yes, sing his praises.
Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds.
Exult in his holy name; rejoice, you who worship the Lord.
Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him.
Remember the wonders he has performed, his miracles…
He is the Lord our God.
His justice is seen throughout the land.
Remember his covenant forever – the commitment he made to a thousand generations…

And all the people shouted, “Amen!” and praised the Lord. – 1 Chron. 16:8-15, 23-36

When our enemy says we can’t, praise the Lord!
When things don’t go our way, He is worthy of our praise!
Before we get no farther than six steps into what He has called us to do, let’s praise Him for the outcome!
Let’s praise Him with uninhibited worship! Let’s dance as David did for an audience of One!

After Saul and his sons were killed in a battle against the Philistines, David wept. Israel anointed David king and he led them in battle against the Jebusites, capturing Jerusalem which is now known as the City of David. David became more and more powerful – BECAUSE GOD WAS WITH HIM (2 Samuel 5:6-10).

Next the Philistines came in an effort to capture David. Now David knew his victories were not because he was a great man but because he served a great God, so he went to the Lord for direction:

So David asked the Lord, “Should I go out to fight the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?”
Then the Lord replied to David, “Yes, go ahead. I will certainly hand them over to you.”
So David went to Baal-perazim and defeated the Philistines there.
“The Lord did it!” David exclaimed. “He burst through my enemies like a raging flood!”
So he named that place Baal-perazim (which means “The Lord who bursts through”) – 2 Sam. 5:19-20

While Israel’s first reaction was to celebrate what David had accomplished, David’s first reaction was to celebrate what God had done! He recognized his human abilities vs. the powerful and mighty strength of the God who called him. David knew that once again the battle belonged to the Lord and not to him.

But after a while the Philistines returned and again spread out across the valley of Rephaim. And again David asked the Lord what to do. “Do not attack them straight on,” the Lord replied. “Instead, circle around behind and attack them near the poplar trees. When you hear a sound like marching feet in the tops of the poplar trees, be on the alert! That will be a signal that the Lord is moving ahead of you to strike down the Philistine army.” So David did what the Lord commanded, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer. – 2 Sam. 5:22-25

Do you hear it? Do you hear the sound of the Lord moving ahead of you? Whatever is ahead of you, inquire of the Lord – ask God for wisdom and direction. Then listen closely to the sound of our great and powerful God going before you, prepared to fight your battles for you. That is the kind of God David served and that is the same God we serve – Praise His name!

I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;
Even at night my heart instructs me.
I have set the Lord always before me.
Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken – Psalm 16:8

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you and watch over you – Psalm 32:8

I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip – he who watches over you will not slumber.
Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you – the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all harm – he will watch over your life;
The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore – Psalm 121

After David killed Goliath, Saul no longer saw David as a humble servant but as a threat to his own popularity and throne. David spent the next few years running from Saul’s anger and attempts to kill him, a time when he possibly wrote many of the Psalms that now help us when we face hard times. Saul hunted him day after day, but God didn’t let Saul find him (1 Samuel 23:14b). Once more, God was protecting David.

I love you, O Lord, my strength.
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies. (Psalm 18:1-3)

For years Saul continued to chase David in an attempt to kill him. Time after time David was given the opportunity to retaliate and end Saul’s life but he refused. David saw value in Saul’s life by looking at him through the eyes of God instead of through his own victim eyes. He showed no signs of hatred or vengeance towards Saul but instead pleaded with him time after time to see his heart – to see that he loved the king and would be loyal to him.

“Some of my men told me to kill you, but I spared you. For I said, ‘I will never harm the king – he is the Lord’s anointed one’” (1 Samuel 24:10b).

David’s men encouraged him to take advantage of these opportunities by killing Saul, but David was looking to God for his reward, not for the praise of men. “The Lord gives his own reward for doing good and for being loyal, and I refused to kill you even when the Lord placed you in my power, for you are the Lord’s anointed one. Now may the Lord value my life, even as I have valued yours today. May he rescue me from all my troubles” (26:23-24).

David had the opportunity to carry out vengeance against another wicked man – Nabal from Maon. Nabal’s wife, Abigail, was a sensible and beautiful woman. She wisely went to David with generous gifts of food for he and his men. She recognized that God was with David and asked for David to trust God instead of retaliating against Nabal.

“…The Lord will surely reward you with a lasting dynasty, for you are fighting the Lord’s battles. And you have not done wrong throughout your entire life. Even when you are chased by those who seek to kill you, your life is safe in the care of the Lord your God, secure in his treasure pouch!…” – 1 Samuel 25:28b-29

David praised God and thanked Him for Abigail’s good sense. He sent Abigail home in peace and promised not to kill Nabal. The next morning, Nabal had a stroke and 10 days later the Lord struck him and he died. David recognized that the Lord was again taking care of him; that he could trust God to fight his battles for him. Sometimes the Lord sends us into battle with our enemies and sometimes He calls us to do nothing and let Him fight the battle without us.

David married the beautiful and sensible Abigail. He also married Ahinoam from Jezreel, making both of them his wives. David moved on from that area with his men and continued to hide from King Saul. Because of Saul’s jealousy, David was forced to live among the Philistines – who also rejected him. He tried to join their army, but they sent David and his men back home because they were foreigners and the rulers did not trust them. When David and his men returned to their home, it had been destroyed and their families captured. His men wept and became bitter, but David “found strength in the Lord his God” (30:6). God was faithful and gave David and his men victory over those who had raided their homes, and they were reunited with their family members receiving back all of their possessions and more (30:19)

So what can I find in my morning coffee to energize me spiritually today? To value life as God values life, and to trust God with all He has given me, finding my strength in God and God alone. There may be times when we suffer due to the choices of others. There may be times when we would be justified in our retaliation or anger. But my soul will not find rest in hatred or self-pity. It will find rest in God alone. God is God and if we truly trust Him, we will leave justice in His hands and look to Him for our reward and for our rescue.

In the words of David:
My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
How long will you assault a man?
Would all of you throw him down – this leaning wall, this tottering fence?
They fully intend to topple him from his lofty place; they take delight in lies.
With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse.
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge…
One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard:
That you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving.
Surely you will reward each person according to what he has done (Psalm 62:1-8,11-12).

The search for a new king began for Samuel. The Lord sent him to Jesse, telling Samuel that He had selected one of Jesse’s 8 sons to be the next king. Taking one look at the oldest son, Samuel immediately thought Eliab would be the Lord’s anointed.

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

One by one, Jesse’s sons stood before Samuel and, one by one, Samuel said, “This is not the one the Lord has chosen” (16:8). Jesse finally sent for his youngest son who was out in the fields watching the sheep and goats. He was dark and handsome, with beautiful eyes.

And the Lord said, “This is the one; anoint him.” So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with the oil. And the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David from that day on. – 1 Samuel 16:12b-13

I love the humble servant attitude with which David started out his reign. He had just been anointed King and, although God saw his heart, everyone around him continued to define him by his age, appearance and past. Instead of stepping into power, David became the harp player for King Saul. When told about David’s musical talent, Saul was also told that David was a brave warrior, a man of war, and had good judgment – that he was a fine-looking young man, and that the Lord was with him (16:18). But Saul only saw a servant who could meet his own needs. So David went to Saul and began serving him. Saul loved David very much, and David became his armor bearer (16:21).

Saul was not the only one who did not see David as a brave warrior and a man of war. When David arrived at the battle against the Philistines to deliver supplies, his brother Eliab asked him, “What are you doing around here anyway? What about those few sheep you’re supposed to be taking care of?” (17:28)

As David was talking with his brothers, the Philistine warrior Goliath came out and began taunting the Israelite soldiers, just as he did every day. “Why are you all coming out to fight? I am the Philistine champion, but you are ONLY the servants of Saul…” (17:8b).

Hearing that the reward for killing Goliath was one of the king’s daughters for a wife and the exemption of the winner’s family from paying taxes, David volunteered to fight Goliath. Saul’s reaction was, “Don’t be ridiculous! There’s no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You’re only a boy, and he’s been a man of war since his youth” (17: 28, 33).

David could have announced to all of them in that moment that he was the new King of Israel, that he was God’s anointed one. But, instead of informing them of who he was, he pointed out to them who God is! “I have been taking care of my father’s sheep and goats. When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I’ll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” (17:34-37a).

Seeing the small shepherd boy coming his way, Goliath sneered in contempt saying, “Am I a dog that you come at me with a stick?…Come over here, and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and wild animals!” (18:43-44)

David confidently informed Goliath of his own future. “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies – the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. Today the Lord will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel! And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us!” (17:45-57).

It will help me today to remember that no matter what I face, this is the Lord’s battle – not mine. Titles are not important, but a humble servant heart is – a heart willing to do whatever God asks me to do today. And it is important that my head remain focused on who God is and not on who I am or on who others say I am. God defines me – no one else. Because when it comes right down to it, it is not about who I am but about who He is.

In the next two chapters of 1 Samuel, there are three different scenarios of someone inquiring of the Lord, each different in the timing. First, King Saul selected 3,000 special troops from the army of Israel and sent the rest of the men home. They defeated a garrison of Philistines, starting a fight they felt unprepared to finish.

The Philistines mustered a mighty army of 3000 chariots, 6000 charioteers, and as many warriors as the grains of sand on the seashore!…The men of Israel saw what a tight spot they were in; and because they were hard pressed by the enemy, they tried to hid in caves, thickets, rocks, holes, and cisterns. Some of them crossed the Jordan River and escaped into the land of Gad and Gilead. Meanwhile, Saul stayed at Gilgal, and his men were trembling with fear. – 1 Samuel 13:5-7

When in a tight spot, when hard pressed by the enemy, God’s people chose fear instead of faith. They chose hiding places or ran for safety. After 7 days of waiting for Samuel to come and offer a sacrifice to God, Saul panicked and offered the burnt offering himself – breaking the Lord’s command. His men were fleeing the battle and their fear was contagious, causing Saul to get impatient and move ahead of God.

“The Philistines are ready to march against us at Gilgal, and I haven’t even asked for the Lord’s help!” – 1 Samuel 13:12

Have you ever found yourself part way into a decision or situation or simply into your day and then realize you haven’t even asked God what He wants you to do or asked for his help? I can relate to Saul in this situation. There have been times when it has dawned on me that I am impatiently charging ahead without inquiring of the Lord. In this situation, Saul finds himself reacting out of panic and making a bad choice because he had not taken the time to involve God sooner. Been there, done that.

Then there is Saul’s son, Jonathan. His statement in 14:6 describes a slightly different scenario: “PERHAPS the Lord will be us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!”

Jonathan did not take the time to consult with Saul, Samuel or with the Lord. Instead he came up with his own plan. Jonathan’s attitude was one of – I’m going to do what I want to do and hopefully the Lord will bless it. Ouch! I’m afraid I have been guilty of this one too. Fortunately for Jonathan and all the Israelites, God did choose to use the immature actions of the king’s son to confuse the Philistines and help the Israelite army of 600 men defeat the large Philistine army. God caused panic to break out in the Philistine camp and He sent an earthquake to strike fear in the heart of the enemy. The vast army of Philistines began to melt away in every direction (14:16) – just like our enemies fade away when God fights our battles for us.

Lastly let’s look at a statement made by the priest Ahijah, Eli’s great-grandson: “Let’s ask God first” (14:36). Now this is more like it. Thankfully I can relate to this statement as well and this is where I want to start my day as I drink my morning coffee, going to God is prayer.

Saul and Jonathan were both doing a good thing. After all, they were putting their life at risk by leading the Israelite army in efforts to protect all of the people – they were prepared to fight to defend the freedom of their families. But in the words of Samuel in 15:22, “Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.”

What I plan to do with my day today may be a GOOD thing or even a sacrificial thing but, if I have not consulted with God to see what He wants me to do today, then I may miss out on what is better – the opportunity to do a GOD thing!

Precious Father, before I get any farther into my day, I submit to your plan – to your sovereignty. Guide me down the paths you want me to walk today. Use me in whatever way you desire. I want to do more than just make sacrifices for what seems like a good purpose, I want every action to be in obedience and submission to your leading. God, nothing can hinder you. You can win a battle whether you have many warriors or only a few! Choose my battles for me and lead me into your will. Thank you for living in me and working through me today. Amen.

Pastor’s kids starting getting a bad reputation even as far back as Eli and Samuel. Just like Eli’s sons were wicked in the sight of the Lord, Samuel’s sons “accepted bribes and perverted justice” (1 Samuel 8:3). The people of Israel saw this and, because they had their eyes on other nations instead of on God (8:20), they asked for a king. Samuel did what all of us should do – he “went to the Lord for guidance” (8:6).

God’s people were asking for something that was outside of His plan for them. He warned them they would someday beg for relief from this king they were requesting, no – more like demanding (8:18). But God, being a merciful God, heard the cries of his people and gave them what they were asking for – a king.

We read how each year Samuel would have to discard of the comfortable coat he had finally grown into and replace it with the new “bigger coat” that his mother had brought him (2:19). We now meet a young man who is about to receive a “bigger coat” and his reaction might be similar to our reaction when God moves us into a situation that seems to us beyond what we can handle.

I guess you could say Samuel told Saul that he would receive a “bigger coat,” more like a kingly robe, and Saul’s reaction was one of humility and fear. He did what many of us have a history of doing when God tries to stretch us – he told God he had the wrong person.

“But I’m only from the tribe of Benjamin, the smallest tribe in Israel, and my family is the least important of all the families of that tribe! Why are you talking like this to me?” (1 Samuel 9:21).

But just like God promises us, He equipped Saul for what He was calling him to do. Saul was “changed into a different person.” Samuel encouraged Saul to do what must be done – the thing God was calling Saul to do – for God would be with him. God “gave him a new heart” and everything God had promised would happen, happened (10:6-9).

As I drink my morning coffee, I know what God is placing on me right now – the “bigger coat” – but what is God calling you to that seems beyond what you are capable of? Are you nervous or scared or intimidated by God’s plan? So was Saul. When they went to crown Saul king, they found him hiding among the baggage (10:22). Are you hiding? Are you using what you consider “baggage” in your life as an excuse to avoid what God is calling you to?

Friend, please know that God is with you. The first situation that came up during his reign, “the Spirit of God came powerfully upon Saul, and he became very angry” (11:7). Just one month after being placed in the position of King, Saul was finding his way and stepping into the leadership for which God was equipping him – just like He will equip you.

So let me do what Samuel did in his farewell speech to God’s people, let me remind you of all the great things the Lord has done for you and for your family (12:7). Look back and see how faithful God has been time and time again. Consider Samuel’s words of reassurance to the Israelites: “Don’t be afraid. You have certainly done wrong, but make sure now that you worship the Lord with all your heart, and don’t turn your back on him” (12:20).

God understands that you are not feeling worthy or that you are uncomfortable with what is happening around you against your choice. He knows you haven’t lived a perfect life or that you want things back to the way they used to be. But what God is asking for is that you worship Him with ALL your heart. Don’t hold back or turn away from what He is asking you to do but worship God by accepting His plan.

“And I will continue to teach you what is good and right. But be sure to fear the Lord and faithfully serve him. Think of all the wonderful things he has done for you” (1 Samuel 12:23b-24).

There were some treacherous things going on at the place of worship where Samuel was now living and growing. Eli’s sons had no respect for the Lord or for the sacrifices God’s people were coming to Shiloh to offer. Eli went to his sons saying, “I have been hearing reports from all the people about the wicked things you are doing. Why do you keep sinning? You must stop, my sons!” (1 Sam. 2:23-24).

But Eli did not remove his sons from their place of honor when they continued sinning so the Lord sent a message to Eli through a man of God: I have revealed myself to your ancestors, I chose your family for this ministry, I assigned you to something very holy. Why do you scorn all of this by giving your sons more honor than you give me? You and your sons have become fat from the best offerings of my people Israel! (2:27-29). In essence God was saying – they are sacrificing while you are indulging; with my blessings you have made yourself comfortable instead of making yourself useful.

Eli’s sons were sinning against God by what they did. Eli was sinning against God by what he did NOT do. All were disobedient and all were punished by God. God had placed Eli in leadership within the people of Israel and his failure to be the spiritual leader God had called him to be caused his death, the death of his two sons, the death of 30,000 Israelite soldiers and the capturing of the Ark of the Covenant by the Philistines (1 Sam. 4).

Our sin and disobedience to God can destroy our lives and destroy those around us. God has a plan to use us in the lives of others but what happens when we choose our own ways instead of His? What happens when we disobey or delay our obedience rather than respond as Samuel did? What happens when we keep God’s blessings for ourselves instead of passing them on and using them as He directs?

Hannah knew the joy of giving God’s biggest blessing back to Him. God generously responded to Hannah’s prayers and she responded back with a generous heart toward God. God blessed Hannah for serving Him in this way. Eli had also been blessed by God but became comfortable in his leadership position and did not take action when he should have.

What happens when we recognize God’s voice and respond in submissive obedience? Samuel’s response to the voice of God was, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.” Samuel’s obedience resulted in the Lord continuing to speak to him, giving messages for Samuel to repeat to the people of Israel. They would in turn repeat the message and God’s message would go out to all the people of Israel because of Samuel’s obedience (3:10, 21).

Samuel knew the purpose to which God had called him. He knew he had been given to God – he knew where he came from and Samuel knew to whom he now belonged. Because Samuel was obedient and willing to be used by God in the lives of others, the Israelites got rid of their images of Baal and Ashtoreth and worshiped only the Lord (7:3-4).

Samuel prayed for God’s people and led them in confession and fasting. His humble servant attitude led the people of Israel to know that it was not Samuel who could save them, but the God to whom Samuel prayed. “Don’t stop pleading with the Lord our God to save us from the Philistines!” they begged Samuel…He pleaded with the Lord to help Israel and the Lord answered him (7:8-9). Samuel was Israel’s judge for the remainder of his life (7:15). He served God faithfully and his leadership helped God’s people to return to Him.

Dear Jesus, I desire to have a servant heart as Samuel did. God show me any disobedience in my life – disobedience by what I am doing or by what I am NOT doing. May I not get fat on your blessings but know that I am saved to serve, that I have been chosen by you for a role in the lives of others. Lord, use me and hear my prayers on the behalf of others as I plead for their salvation and healing. Forgive me and empty me out of anything that is me so that I may be filled with You and You only today. May I always know to whom I belong. Amen.

“I asked the Lord to give me this boy, and he has granted my request. Now I am giving him to the Lord, and he will belong to the Lord his whole life.” And they worshiped the Lord there.

Then Hannah prayed:
“My heart rejoices in the Lord!
The Lord has made me strong,
Now I have an answer for my enemies,
I rejoice because you rescued me.
No one is holy like the Lord!
There is no one besides you;
There is no Rock like our God.” – 1 Samuel 1:27-2:2

Hannah prayed for a larger sacrifice and God answered her prayer. After giving her son to the Lord, Hannah was filled with joy as she worshipped God – a much different emotion for Hannah then the bitter anguish she was experiencing before God answered her prayer. After making what had to have been a difficult sacrifice for a mother, God faithfully gave her joy in place of her sacrifice. Her faith was strengthened and she knew the Lord, the Rock, was the source of her strength.

…Samuel, though he was only a boy, served the Lord. He wore a linen garment like that of a priest. Each year his mother made a small coat for him and brought it to him when she came with her husband for the sacrifice (1 Sam. 2:18-19).

In 2011, my dear friend, Dave Brown, gave me this passage of Scripture as we were grieving the loss of one ministry and preparing for the next. He pointed out that the coat Hannah brought Samuel each year must have been too big for him in order for him to be able to grow into it by the end of the year. As soon as the coat fit, she’d give him a new one.

Sometimes God gives us a new coat, a bigger coat. The price of our faithfulness in what God has given us is that sometimes He takes that away and gives us something new that requires that same faithfulness. He moves us out of our comfortable, broken-in coat into a new “bigger coat.”

Last year our family again experienced the mixed emotions of having a comfortable coat removed as God placed on our shoulders a new coat – a coat that is taking some time to get used to and that still requires some “growing into.” Perhaps God is trying to place a new coat on you as well, one you are resistant or uncomfortable in. Like Hannah, we can rejoice with confidence that we serve a holy God who is strong like a Rock and gives us strength for whatever sacrifice He is asking us to make.

Before they returned home, Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife and say, “May the Lord give you other children to take the place of this one she gave to the Lord.” And the Lord gave Hannah three sons and three daughters. Meanwhile, Samuel grew up in the presence of the Lord. – 1 Samuel 2:20-21

Hannah’s circumstances were radically reversed as God blessed her generously. She sang of how her Creator is able to drastically change someone’s circumstances:

“…The bow of the mighty is now broken, and those who stumbled are now strong.
Those who were well fed are now starving, and those who were starving are now full.
The childless woman now has seven children, and the woman with many children wastes away.
The Lord gives both death and life; he brings some down to the grave but raises others up.
The Lord makes some poor and others rich; he brings some down and lifts others up.
He lifts the poor from the dust and the needy from the garbage dump.
He sets them among princes, placing them in seats of honor.
For all the earth is the Lord’s, and he has set the world in order…” – 1 Samuel 2:4-8

Hannah sang of God’s protection on his faithful ones and that no one succeeds by their own strength alone. God empowers his king and increases the strength of his anointed one (2:9-10). What a great reminder this morning as I drink my morning coffee. There are times when we may not feel strong enough for the new coat God has placed on our shoulders, but perhaps it is in these weakest moments that we begin looking up and reaching out. God’s hands of mercy cover us and He is strength enough for both of us. We don’t have to be “strong enough” – we need to give up and let God be strong enough. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength (Phil. 4:13).

If you have time, go this link and listen to the story behind Matthew West’s song “Strong Enough”:
http://www.klove.com/blog/post/2011/05/09/The-story-behind-Strong-Enough-from-Matthew-West.aspx

1 Samuel starts with the story of Hannah, which I find in direct contrast to Naomi’s story. When Naomi found herself without her sons and without grandchildren, she felt sorry for herself and blamed God for the pain life had dealt her. What is missing from the book of Ruth is Naomi’s prayer life. Did she call on God? Did she ask God for the desires of her heart? Even after Ruth gave birth to Obed, we hear the women in Bethlehem praising God but the author leaves out Naomi’s praise. We know she found great joy in caring for her grandson but did she spend as much time thanking God as she had blaming God and taking pity on herself.

Hannah was just as grief stricken to be without children. But what we see in Hannah’s story is a woman who prayed to God and her prayers were answered. Her story teaches us how to pray and reveals the heart behind her prayers. Hannah was barren and wanted to have a baby so she prayed to God. The exact description of her prayer is “out of great anguish and sorrow” (1 Samuel 1:16). I’ve read this story many times and have always been able to relate to Hannah’s heart because of my own struggle with infertility before I was healed. But God graciously showed me something different in Hannah’s story.

Each year Elkanah would travel to Shiloh to worship and sacrifice to the Lord of Heaven’s Armies at the Tabernacle…On the days Elkanah presented his sacrifice, he would give portions of the meat to Peninnah and each of her children. And though he loved Hannah, he would give her only one choice portion because the Lord had given her no children…Each time, Hannah would be reduced to tears and would not even eat. “Why are you crying?” Elkanah would ask. “Why aren’t you eating? Why be down so downhearted just because you have no children? You have me – isn’t that better than having ten sons?”

Once after a sacrificial meal at Shiloh, Hannah got up and went to pray…Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord. And she made this vow: “O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, if you will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you. He will be yours for his entire lifetime, and as a sign that he has been dedicated to the Lord, his hair will never be cut.” – 1 Samuel 1:3-11

I have always thought Hannah wanted a child so that she could have a child. That makes sense to me. But then she gives him back to the Lord and is again without a child – a part of the story that has always confused me. Her intent was always to give the child back to God, not just in the way we do when we dedicate our children to the Lord but to literally give her child to the Church and again be without him. But if I focus on the annual sacrifice, I see the heart behind Hannah’s desire to have a son.

Because Hannah had no children, she had less to give to God – the portion of the meat she was given to sacrifice was smaller reflecting the reality that she was without children. She prayed for a child so that she would have something of great worth to give back to God. She could give the most incredible sacrifice a mother could ever give, her son. God saw Hannah’s heart – saw it was out of love for God that she asked for something God would see as priceless and beyond the value of any other sacrifice. God, who knew He would one day offer His own son as a sacrifice, understood the cost – He understood Hannah’s heart and answered her prayer.

God also saw the great faith that Hannah had. When Hannah explained the reason behind her great anguish and sorrow to the priest, Eli, he responded: “In that case, go in peace! May the God of Israel grant the request you have asked of him” (1:17). And that is exactly what Hannah did – she left with a peace and confidence that God would indeed answer her prayer. She went back and began to eat again and she was no longer sad (1:18b). What great faith Hannah had! Her prayer had not yet been answered but she believed that God would grant her request and she allowed Him to fill her heart with joy again – even before her prayer was answered.

When Elkanah slept with Hannah, the Lord remembered her plea, and in due time she gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, for she said, “I asked the Lord for him.”

“Whatever you think is best,” Elkanah agreed. “Stay here for now, and may the Lord help you keep your promise.” – 1 Samuel 1:19b-23a

And now we see the heart of Hannah’s husband. Let’s not miss the fact that he would soon be losing the son he loved so much. In fact, Elkanah could have forbidden such a sacrifice but he instead affirmed and supported Hannah’s promise to God. Elkanah loved Hannah (1:5) and had seen her joy return in the birth of her son but recognized the struggle that was ahead. They knew it would be difficult to give Samuel to the Lord and he prayed the Lord would help her keep her promise. He recognized that the God they served could give them the strength to do exactly as Hannah had promised.

When the child was weaned, Hannah took him to the Tabernacle in Shiloh. They brought along a three-year-old bull for the sacrifice and a basket of flour and some wine. After sacrificing the bull, they brought the boy to Eli. “Sir, do you remember me?” Hannah asked. “I am the woman who stood here several years ago praying to the Lord. I asked the Lord to give me this boy, and he has granted my request. Now I am giving him to the Lord, and he will belong to the Lord his whole life.” And they worshiped the Lord there. – 1 Samuel 1:24-28

Lord, give me the heart of Hannah – give me her passion to be generous with you and her great faith to trust you. Then give me the strength to do all you have called me to do and all I committed to you. I thank you from the depth of my heart for the three wonderful baby girls you have given me. I will never forget the great gift of motherhood you gave me and I commit to leaving them in your hands. Lord, give me the strength to let go of them completely when the time comes. I love you, Father God. Amen.

In the days when the judges ruled in Israel, a severe famine came upon the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah left his home and went to live in the country of Moab, taking his wife and two sons with him. The man’s name was Elimelech, and his wife was Naomi. Their sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in the land of Judah. And when they reached Moab, they settled there. – Ruth 1:1-2

We read back in Genesis of the origin of the Moabites and it is not a pretty story. After Lot fled from Sodom and Gomorrah, he settled in a small village of Zoar. He became afraid of the people there and retreated to a cave in the mountains with his two daughters. These young women began to fear they would never marry and have children now that they were isolated and living away from their people. So they shamefully got their father drunk and took turns going in to lie with him and do things that should never be done. As a result they both became pregnant with their own father’s child. Instead of trusting in God to meet their needs, they took their future into their own hands and sinned against both God and their father.

The oldest daughter gave birth to a son and she named him Moab. The younger sister gave birth to a son and named him Ben-ammi. These two boys grew up and their families became the Moabites and the Ammonites – two perennial enemies of Israel with a history of grotesque wickedness, just as their incest-born origin (Genesis 19:30-38).

The reason this history is significant to me is that Elimelech and his family were able to peacefully settle in the land of Moab regardless of the history of these two nations – Judah and Moab. In time of severe famine, when their family needed a place of refuge, God graciously provided a peaceful resting place for them. But trouble and sorrow are often a part of everyday life and Elimelech died, leaving Naomi alone with her two sons. Contrary to God’s command for Israelites to not marry foreigners, Naomi’s sons each married a Moabite woman – Orpah and Ruth. Ten years later, tragedy struck again and Naomi lost both her sons.

“…the Lord himself has raised his fist against me.” – Ruth 1:13b

These are the words of a woman with a broken heart, struggling to understand why the God who had provided so well for her during her everyday existence would now allow such tragedy to strike her family. She had praised God during times of plenty but now only pitied herself during times of loss.

Ruth encouraged her two daughters-in-law to return to their families, but Ruth loved Naomi and begged to return to Naomi’s homeland with her, pledging “…Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God…” (1:16b).

When Naomi returned to Bethlehem, the entire town was excited to see her. The women could hardly believe they were seeing their longtime friend, Naomi, returning home. It did not take them long to realize this wasn’t the same person who had left years before. Naomi had suffered tragedy and lost her joy for life. Naomi left seeking God and returned bitter towards God.

“Don’t call me Naomi,” she responded. “Instead, call me Mara, for the Almighty has made life very bitter for me. I went away full, but the Lord has brought me home empty. Why call me Naomi when the Lord has caused me to suffer and the Almighty has sent such tragedy upon me?” – Ruth 1:20-21

Naomi left Bethlehem during the time of a severe famine but she described herself has “full” at that time. Her physical needs were suffering but she had her family and, therefore, joy. She returned to Bethlehem with her physical needs met and the blessing of a loyal and virtuous daughter-in-law but she could not see beyond her pain to rejoice in what God had blessed her with. She only saw what she was without.

How often does our praise turn into pity when tragedy strikes? We struggle to understand why the same God who has blessed us so generously could allow heartache and pain to come into our lives. We live in an imperfect world where death and disease are a reality, yet we blame God for not intervening and saving us from the worst pain we have ever felt.

God saw the broken heart of Naomi and He was not done blessing her. Through a “family redeemer”, God provided Ruth with a husband and a son. Then the women of Bethlehem said to Naomi:

“Praise the Lord, who has now provided a redeemer for your family! May this child be famous in Israel. May he restore your youth and care for you in your old age. For he is the son of your daughter-in-law who loves you and has been better to you than seven sons!”

Naomi took the baby and cuddled him to her breast. And she cared for him as if he were her own. The neighbor women said, “Now at last Naomi has a son again!” And they named him Obed. He became the father of Jesse and the grandfather or David. – Ruth 4:14b-17

God knows the good things He has planned for us and our children. From Naomi’s grandson would come the first King of Israel and then the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. What a great reminder for us to trust God through the tragedies – to let the hard times increase our faith and trust in the God who knows what is ahead and loves us enough to send His son to die on a cross for us – to become our ultimate Redeemer.

Praise the Lord, who has provided a Redeemer for all of us!