S. 1 Samuel 30:10-16 (NIV) 10 Two hundred of them were too exhausted to cross the valley, but David and the other four hundred continued the pursuit. 11 They found an Egyptian in a field and brought him to David. They gave him water to drink and food to eat— 12 part of a cake of pressed figs and two cakes of raisins. He ate and was revived, for he had not eaten any food or drunk any water for three days and three nights. 13 David asked him, “Who do you belong to? Where do you come from?” He said, “I am an Egyptian, the slave of an Amalekite. My master abandoned me when I became ill three days ago. 14 We raided the Negev of the Kerethites, some territory belonging to Judah and the Negev of Caleb. And we burned Ziklag.” 15 David asked him, “Can you lead me down to this raiding party?” He answered, “Swear to me before God that you will not kill me or hand me over to my master, and I will take you down to them.” 16 He led David down, and there they were, scattered over the countryside, eating, drinking and reveling because of the great amount of plunder they had taken from the land of the Philistines and from Judah.
O. David and his men are pursing the enemy (Amalekites) that had attacked their town. They had found strength from the Lord and asked God for His leading, which He confirmed (v.6-8). As they waged the battle, God “providentially” (I use this term “providence” to describe how God does things sort of in the background without really saying anything. Things just “seem” to line up.) provides them an opportunity. They “come upon” a servant of the enemy who can lead them to the enemy - the Amalelites.
What a great find! God provides them this opportunity. They are able to take advantage of this “find” and complete the victory. Sometimes God allows the enemy to actually aid in rolling out His plan. An old time preacher, Dr. John R. Rice once said, “When the devil’s going your way, ride him.”
A. I am always amazed (thought I probably should not be) of the times I experience God’s hand of “providence.” (His leading despite what the enemy might be doing or even using the enemy as an agent to the rolling out of His plan). As always, no matter how God opens the door, I will follow His leading. I will follow His favor to inact His plan and give Him praise and glory.”
P. Thank you Father for how you unfold events - you’re always working. As the song says, “…even when I don’t see it you’re working, even when I don’t feel it, you’re working. You’re always working…”Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to continue to follow your favor and to praise you. In Jesus’ name!
