Some Encouragment from David
Well, my sisters-in-Christ, for those who moved recently, how did it go? No doubt it was like ours, there were many ups and downs as you pulled up roots, spent time not connected to anywhere, grieved and then began to plant again. It all takes time…for those who did move I hope that you are beginning to feel a part of your local community.
In the past couple of months I have been studying the life of David. In so many ways our lives are similar to his. I am struck first by the fact that he was out on his own tending the sheep…just him and God. Isn’t this similar to us? So often we are on our own…extended family may be a long, long way away, our husbands may also be far away and if we have children then we are busy tending our sheep pretty much on our own. However, just like David, if we choose to invite Him into our lives, God can be very close and always with us. As we read through 1 Samuel, and on to 2 Samuel, we see that the training that David received whilst out on his own was vital to the role that God had for him. When David offered to fight Goliath he says to Saul “Your servant used to keep his father’s sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it.” (1 Sam 17:35 -36). When the time came to help the Israelite Army God had already trained and prepared him. Ladies, this time spent “alone” in the “wilderness” is awesome training for what God has ahead for you! God can build so much into your lives…not just in the mind but in the heart. We had a season living on Thursday Island and while it was a hard time personally the lessons that I learnt there have held me in good stead as we have moved on. My children also had many values built into them that only an experience like that could give.
David was obviously not thought of very highly by his family. When Samuel came to anoint one of Jesse’s sons as king, Jesse did not even bother to bring David in from tending the sheep. Do you sometimes feel like that? You continue to relocate with your husband, re-establish your home and maintain it whilst he is away serving his country…does anyone really notice or care, do you feel left behind? I encourage you with the words God spoke to Samuel: “For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7b. God sees what you are doing! Use the time you have to study and seek God. The last couple of months have been quiet ones for me…no friends in my neighbourhood…no church home etc but I have taken some of my own advice (always easier to give out than to actually do!) and spent time studying and praying; it has been awesome.
We need to rely on God completely, hand over our problems, and watch Him provide and care for us. This would be harder if we remained in our comfort zones. Each posting is different and gives God opportunities to teach us new lessons. Ask God to show you how He is growing you; ask Him to encourage you! It is my prayer that you would all grow stronger in the Lord as you take this special journey as a military wife.