Many years ago I worked for one of the toughest bosses that I had ever had. During that time I had a young family. The prospect of losing my job loomed as a bigger and bigger prospect with each coming day. I was bewildered and concerned. “What am I to do?” I would ask in great travail.

Each day during that situation things got worse and worse. I knew I was doing my best, but, my best was not good enough for my demanding boss. Those were tough times.

I know that you too have come into tough times, nerve racking times that seems unparalleled to any experiences that you have had in the past. What is it that we can do during trying times?

Ziklag Burned and In Ruins

We see in the story of David in 1 Samuel 30 how he and his men came across a dire situation. The city they dwelt in, Ziklag had been burned and in ruins. All their families, possessions, and livestock were gone. It was a blow to their hearts for sure. There were 4 things that I want to point out from this story.

1. In 1 Samuel 30:4 we see that David and all his men wept till they had no more strength. David was human just as we are. During great times of calamity we all are affected, and shaken to our core. It is natural for us to weep, and become bewildered.
2. In 1 Samuel 30:6 we see that David’s men were so embittered and grieved that they began talk of stoning David. But, what did David do? David encouraged and strengthened himself in the Lord his God.
3. In Samuel 30:7-8 we see David taking time to seek the Lord for His guidance. God is faithful, he showed the way. God is no respecter of persons. We too can seek the Lord, and He too will show us the way.
4. In Samuel 30:9-20 we see how David acted on what he was led to do. The outcome was triumphant.

Baby Encased In A Lead Box

I heard a most beautiful testimony I would like to share.There was a lady who was pregnant and had gall bladder complications. She had her gall bladder removed. But there was still a stone that somehow the Doctors had missed. Another procedure was attempted that did not work.

While she was 12 weeks pregnant she had to have another procedure involving x-rays to take care of the situation. As a Nurse she knew the dangers that this procedure could bring her and her daughter. Prolonged x-rays can kill.

As any Mom she was worried about the situation. It looked dangerous and life threatening. But she took the steps to praise the Lord and in essence strengthened herself in the Lord Her God. She sought the Lord and the Lord gave her a vision of her baby being encased in a lead box.

This vision gave her great peace because she knew that x-rays could not penetrate lead. She knew that she and her baby would be Okay. She submitted to the procedure. The procedure was a success.

Not only that her daughter today is a healthy, bubbling teenager. She is full of life, active in her music, and has a great love for horses.

Be of Good Cheer

No matter what situation you’re in, remember these four things you see in David, and this testimony. It will be an encouragement. Oh by the way, I am still in employed in my company 16 years later. God has his ways of protecting and moving in His loved ones behalf.

Have you had situations where God acted on your behalf? If you feel moved, leave a comment.