Fulfilling your destiny depends on your ability to encourage yourself.

“David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God.” 1 Samuel 30

David was anointed as the next King of Israel, and about 13 years passed. King Saul had removed himself from God’s favor by looking to other sources for his future and wisdom. Though David was the best friend of Saul’s son, Jonathan, his jealousy and the evil spirits who spoke to Saul wanted to kill David before he could take the throne. Saul, who once valued David’s ministry in His palace, turned on David. There was a manhunt throughout Israel to kill him.

David left Israel and began fighting with the Philistines at night against the enemies of Israel. “David’s Mighty Men” were a group of about 400 whom David invested himself in – he trained them into capable soldiers, and men of courage and might. When the Philistines went to battle against Israel, they sent David and his men back home to Ziklag (a city they had given to David and his men). When they arrived home, they found their city had been ravaged by fire; their wives and children had been captured and taken away. David’s men were so distressed that they began talking about stoning him.

David had been rejected by King Saul, his nation, the enemy army of the Philistines, and now his own men, “…David was greatly distress…”

1 Samuel 30:6. David didn’t try to talk his men into commiserating with him; he did what God had called him to do; he led. In verse 7, David said to Abiathar the priest, “…Bring me the ephod.” (David was going to pray) He asked The Lord, “Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” He answered, “You will certainly overtake them and recover all.” 

When everything that could possibly go wrong has surprised you and is even worse than you could imagine, strengthen yourself in the Lord. Encourage yourself. What can you thank The Lord for? Then, go to The Lord and inquire of Him. Ask Him specific questions, “Should I quit?” “Are you done with me?” Then wait, and allow The Lord time to answer; your next thoughts may be the voice of The Lord.

Not long after this, David became King, and his destiny was fulfilled as one of the greatest Kings of Israel. Your destiny may also be determined by your ability to navigate times of deep distress; remember David and find your strength in God.

“And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season, we shall reap, if we faint not.”  Galatians 6:9