Rejected for a Purpose

Do you find yourself in a place that didn’t turn out as you pictured it? Have you been rejected? Does it feel like you have made the wrong decision even though you were sure it was the right one?

Here is a dose of hope, some good news for you …

David found himself in the midst of those he would have previously called his enemy since his circumstances kind of forced him to leave behind what he once called home. He had trust amongst his enemy; king Achish who made him his personal bodyguard.

David and his 600 troops had an opportunity to go in battle with king Achish and the Philistine armies to conquer Israel. When he met the Philistine army by the battlefield, they rejected him because he was a Hebrew and they did not trust him since he killed their giants. David was disheartened and felt defeated. He thought that this is finally his chance to get God’s promise of him becoming king of Israel into fulfilment by getting king Saul killed in battle.

“So Achish finally summoned David and said to him, “I swear by the Lord that you have been a trustworthy ally. I think you should go with me into battle, for I’ve never found a single flaw in you from the day you arrived until today. But the other Philistine rulers won’t hear of it. Please don’t upset them, but go back quietly.” “What have I done to deserve this treatment?” David demanded. “What have you ever found in your servant, that I can’t go and fight the enemies of my Lord the king?” But Achish insisted, “As far as I’m concerned, you’re as perfect as an angel of God. But the Philistine commanders are afraid to have you with them in the battle. Now get up early in the morning, and leave with your men as soon as it gets light.”” - 1 Samuel‬ ‭29‬:‭6‬-‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

You can imagine how heartbroken David must have been. Perhaps you feel the same today.

David and his men went back to their homes, only to find it burned, destroyed, with all their wives and children missing. David and his men were exhausted and then found this terrible sight after being rejected. It was not the worst yet, as David’s men wanted to stone him and kill him.

“David was now in great danger because all his men were very bitter about losing their sons and daughters, and they began to talk of stoning him. But David found strength in the Lord his God. Then he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring me the ephod!” So Abiathar brought it. Then David asked the Lord, “Should I chase after this band of raiders? Will I catch them?” And the Lord told him, “Yes, go after them. You will surely recover everything that was taken from you!”” - 1 Samuel‬ ‭30‬:‭6‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

God gave them strength and favour as they found an Egyptian slave that witnessed everything to guide David and his troops to the raiders. These raiders were the Amalekites which I wrote about in the previous ‘Dose of Hope’.

David and his men got all their wives and kids back, as well as so much spoil that it was too much for them. David and his men had so much that they were a blessing to his friends and beyond.

“When he arrived at Ziklag, David sent part of the plunder to the elders of Judah, who were his friends. “Here is a present for you, taken from the Lord’s enemies,” he said. The gifts were sent to the people of the following towns David had visited: Bethel, Ramoth-negev, Jattir, Aroer, Siphmoth, Eshtemoa, Racal, the towns of the Jerahmeelites, the towns of the Kenites, Hormah, Bor-ashan, Athach, Hebron, and all the other places David and his men had visited.” - 1 Samuel‬ ‭30‬:‭26‬-‭31‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Your rejection is not the end, it could be God’s protection for a greater purpose. What looks like a setback could be His setup for something great.

May God turn your setback into a place of setup to be a blessing for others.

#HaveHope #HoldOn #BeStrong

dodgyheartbeat.org

Gerhard du Toit