by Nick Miller

If we are honest, every season of life is filled with trials even though they are different. Entering into college fills us with hope, but confronts us with greater responsibility. Opening a business energizes our dream, but gives us a stress that we haven’t felt before. Getting married is filled with love, but reveals to us how to live selflessly with another person.

In every season of our life, there is trial. However, in the midst of the trial, Christ is equipping us for the victory!

I want to look at a particular passage within the book of 1 Samuel that highlights the beginning journey of King David. Last week we talked about his triumph over Goliath, but in this particular passage, he finds himself in another “season.” This season is greater than the battle before. David, in a single moment, killed the giant Goliath, but is now running away from the king with an entire army for an extended period of time. Isn’t it interesting that as you grow in faith, the trial grows in magnitude.

The story begins with Saul’s jealousy of David, forcing him to run into the wilderness:

”But an evil spirit from the Lord came on Saul as he was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand. While David was playing the lyre, Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear, but David eluded him as Saul drove the spear into the wall. That night David made good his escape.” – 1 Samuel 19:9-10

Even though David was anointed and favored by God, he still faced many trials. The giant slayer was on the run for his life from his future kingdom. His escape had to be so immediate that he didn’t even have time to entirely prepare for it. He had a little bit of supplies and ran in the middle of the night. After some time, David eventually runs into this town called Nob where he met a priest.

Here is the portion of the story that amazes me! In this conversation with this priest, Ahimelech, David admits that he doesn’t have the supplies needed to carry on. God always provides, equips, and supplies us for the season that we are in!

With no sword to defend himself or to hunt, David asks the priest, a pacifist by nature, for some equipment. Ahimelech brings to David a weapon from a previous victory:

The priest replied, “The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed in the Valley of Elah, is here; it is wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod. If you want it, take it; there is no sword here but that one.” David said, “There is none like it; give it to me.” – 1 Samuel 21:9

Christ will use former victories to equip you for future battles! When David was at his most desperate moment, fully unequipped for the season ahead, God provided him with Goliath’s sword from his former victory. David will be able to hunt and defend himself in the upcoming season of running and wondering. With this sword, David can find victory through this difficult season.

What season are you in today? Are you entering into a new job, unsure of your abilities to be an amazing employee? Are you expecting a child patiently waiting for the unknown of parenthood? Is your marriage slowly pulling apart and approaching defeat? Do you feel like you are wandering without purpose, waiting for breakthrough in direction?

Whatever season you are in, Christ is with you, leading you, guiding you, and equipping you. Though it may not feel like it, know that Christ is equipping you with everything you need in this season to come out victorious. Ask Him to show you the past victories. Ask Him to give you your sword so that you can walk through this season! When we ask Him for our equipment, He will show you the past victories.

The truth is: We as Christ followers don’t occasionally win, we are in a constant state of victory! The battle has already been won, the season has already been conquered, and the trials are already handled. Walk with your sword this week, He is equipping you for the trial.

photo: unsplash.com