King Achish sent David and his men to Ziklag as his soldiers objected to his presence. David escaped from being reduced to a role of a mercenary, instead of being an instrument of God. They had to march twenty-five or thirty miles a day to cover the distance between Aphek and Ziklag. They reached the third day, tired. from travel. Ziklag was overrun by Amalekites. His wives, children, all inhabitants, and spoils were taken away. It was a miracle that they did not kill all. They also burned the city with fire. All men, who are valiant warriors, raised their voices and wept. They were emotionally drained that they did not have any more strength to cry or weep any more. In their anger against David, they even murmured about stoning David to death. David had no other refuge except God. Hence, David strengthened himself in the Lord. Lord gave a promise: “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake and shall surely rescue.” (I Samuel 30:8) Can David trust his men who wanted to lynch him to death?
1) Faith in Promise: David could trust his men, because he could trust the Promise of God.
2) Faith to forgive: David could forgive his men who had murderous intentions and bitter hatred because of their loss.
3) Faith to forget: David chose to forget the silly, unwarranted and sinful act of his men.
4) Faith to trust again: David’s trust in God, His promises helped him to trust his men. They were disloyal, will they turn against him? As Achish men feared that David could turn against Achish, will David also have the same kind of fear? (I Samuel 29:6-7) David had faith to overcome this barrier.
5) Faith in weakness: David pursued only with 400 men as one-third of his soldiers were exhausted and were recouping.
6) Faith results in victory: God was gracious to provide an Egyptian slave left by the Amalekite army to guide David to his enemies. David recovered all.
Do I exercise faith and demonstrate forgiveness as David did?