1 Samuel 25.1-38: Disaster Averted
It’s easier to focus on what God is doing behind the scenes when you actually know the scene. Chapter 25 begins with the death and burial of Samuel and the relocation of David to the wilderness of Paran. Here, we see how David responds to the foolish and offensive actions of Nabal. If it were not for God sending Abigail, David would have attacked Nabal and many lives would have been lost.
Instead, we find that God intervenes and directs the steps of those who are willing to humble themselves before Him. Our students talked about the following saying: “You cannot always control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond.” If David had not been in tune with God, had he not been open to what God wanted, he would have ended many lives and done something against the will of God.
Our students talked about how we are sometimes like David, rash and reactive. In order to counteract these tendencies, we must focus on God daily, and be open to His intervention and direction. Sometimes, however, we need to be like Abigail, and focus on speaking the message of God to others at the right time.
One way or another, we need to be open to be used by God in positive ways. Our students realized that the only One in control in life is God. We don’t tell our cells to reproduce, or our hearts to beat. We have only minimal control, and that control can be taken away in the blink of an eye. This means, that whatever happens to, with, and around us shouldn’t turn our thoughts away from God or His will.
This week, I encourage you to get to know your children in a deeper, more intimate way. Take time to figure out what makes them tick, and then help them in whatever way you can!