2 Samuel 15-17

We see Nathan the prophet's words coming true today in 2 Samuel 15-17.  God has taken away the sin, since David brought it to God, but now he is facing the hard consequences of his choices.  In broad daylight, for all to see, David's own son, Absalom, works up a conspiracy to take over as king of Israel.  Before we know it, King David is fleeing from the palace, and Absalom has pitched a tent on the roof and plans to sleep with some of his father's concubines (or live-in girlfriends).  It's awful, and really messy...

BUT, David trusts God through the whole ordeal and heads for the wilderness. 

It's important to notice, though, that all is not lost as long as God is in the picture.

See, God accepts our humble and genuine requests for forgiveness and help.  Even more than that, God loves us through it all.

David has done that, so now God continues to work things for good, even though it's not always so obvious how that is happening in the moment. 

How?  You might find yourself asking, "What is good about this crazy hard stuff right now?"  You might wonder, "Where is God?  This sure doesn't look good to me.  This situation hurts way too much for it to be good."

And here's thing, I am sure David was hurting beyond words.  He was probably struggling with his own guilt.  His whole world was falling apart, and he was betrayed by his own flesh and blood.

When God says He loves us, He doesn't just say it.  He shows us He loves us in real ways.  He uses people all the time to be His hands and feet in our times of need.  He will provide for us, and He will sustain us when things are so messy we can barely move.

And, that's exactly what God does for David. 

There's a terrible conspiracy going on, but God sends David with an entourage of supporters and encouragers (on the inside and the outside) for His cause.  

We see that David also has people who meet him along the way to provide for him when he cannot provide for himself.  

27 When David came to Mahanaim, Shobi son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, and Makir son of Ammiel from Lo Debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim 28 brought bedding and bowls and articles of pottery. They also brought wheat and barley, flour and roasted grain, beans and lentils,[a] 29 honey and curds, sheep, and cheese from cows’ milk for David and his people to eat. For they said, “The people have become exhausted and hungry and thirsty in the wilderness.”

2 Samuel 17:27-29

And, God's mighty power is on David's side because God not only works on David's needs, He is able to work in and through those David can't touch, his enemies.

Here's the bottom line: God is good, and where there's His will, He makes the way.

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank You for making Your will known to me, and thank You for making Your love so real and powerful in my life.

Direct me and show me how to be a part of Your hands and feet, sharing Your love with others.  I want to help others come to experience the reality of Your presence and power in the world.

In the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit I pray, 

Amen

Love of Christ,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.