I’ve been studying the Old Testament again (love all those amazing stories!) and noticed something in 2 Samuel chapter 5 that caught my eye. Now at first glance, it seems to hold no special meaning, so hang tight until I explain its significance.
“David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years” (verse 4).
In preceding chapters, we learned that David was only a boy – many Bible scholars believe him to have been around 15 years old when he defeated Goliath – when he was first brought into the palace by King Saul to serve as his armor bearer and private harpist (1 Sam 16:21-23). But, Saul, out of jealousy, soon rejected David and decided to kill him (1 Sam 19:1). The spirit of God left Saul and entered David. The prophet Samuel disclosed to David that God has anointed him to be the next king but they kept it their little secret. Saul had his suspicions though, because he chased David all over the countryside for an undisclosed number of years, beginning in 1 Sam. chapter 21 until Saul’s death at the end of chapter 31.
Then followed a 7-year civil war between the house of Saul and the house of David before Samuel officially crowned David King of Israel (2 Sam. 5: 3). Okay, you already know all this, I know.
But what you may not realize (and this is my point), is that there was a 15-year gap between the time David knew he would be king, and when he actually became king. He knew at 15 years of age but had to wait until he was 30 to begin serving the Lord in what was his preordained destiny.
That sounds like a LOT of preparation, doesn’t it? And it required a boatload of patience, no doubt. Speaking of boatloads, it reminds me of Noah, who had to wait – and continuously work – 100 years for the ark to be completed and the flood to begin (see Genesis chapters 5-7).
Yikes! Who wants to wait that long for anything?
Not me. Not you. And I’m pretty sure not David or Noah either.
But evidently waiting is included in Papa God’s plan for us. Waiting time isn’t wasted time.
David used those 15 years to hone his skills as a warrior and leader, building the respect and loyalty of his countrymen. His kingdom was more powerful and cohesive because of those 15 well spent years.
Noah’s long prep time was essential because a boat roughly the size of a professional football stadium that was going to house two of every animal on earth (wish they’d forgotten the mosquitoes) for five months (Genesis 7:24) needed that much attention. Noah couldn’t cut corners or skip steps with the fate of the world dependent on his precision and workmanship skills.
I’ve often thought that if he’d worked on it another year, maybe he could’ve added a stall for the unicorns. But that’s just me.
So I think the take-away for all this is that we should expect waiting in our life journeys. Maybe LOTS of waiting. And in the meantime, we shouldn’t lose patience … or hope. Because waiting time isn’t wasted time.
When in your own experience have you felt your waiting endurance wearing thin, dear BFF (Blessed Friend Forever)? What helped you to keep on keeping on? (Please post your thoughts below – your community of BFFs want to hear from you!)
Hi Ms. Deborah,
So I have been waiting since May 2009….it is very frustrating and at times, I become angry…at the same time, I am surrounded by someone who speaks life into me…and reminds me of God’s promises are on my life and the ministry that God is bringing me into…however, I have learned during the process from my mentor, that godly character is so important; working in the fruit of the Spirit in itself is the greatest blessing….Glorifying God while being in His Divine Will is so much more gratifying and fulfilling than anything else!!! Even though, a lot of the time, I don’t understand or even like the process….I need to encourage myself through praise and reading the Psalms! I used to kick, pull, and runaway from my trials…now, I am learning to embrace them…and I try to move beyond my emotions and ask, “Okay, God, what are You trying to teach me?” Help me, Lord, to put a smile on Your heart and face as I go this obstacle!” “How may I Glorify You on today Lord?” Although, I have to admit, I am inconsistent.. some days are better than other days! I need to led more by the Holy Spirit and less by my emotions…I have to remind myself that my emotions should lead me to HIM!!!
I really appreciate your books, and your blogs! I am so grateful that we are BFF!
Many Continous Blessings to you and your family,
Julie
Wow, Julie – your story is full of life lessons we could all benefit from. Sounds like you have a wise mentor; that’s so important on our life journey, isn’t it? I love your prayer, “Lord, help me to put a smile on Your heart …” Do you mind if I borrow that? Thank you for sharing your observations and thoughts with us – you are a wonderful example of earnestly seeking to live your faith out loud. Blessings to you, sweet BFF!
Yes, waiting time is very beneficial when it is the Lord putting you on “hold” to be ready for His plan..
Good advice, Lois. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. A BIG hug to you!
Trusting God’s judgement and plan, is how we are dealing with my husband’s stage four pancreatic cancer. We have been told by two doctors that Larry has been given many miracles in his cancer battle. Cancer gives very dramatic ups and downs. During one of the downs, when he was on hospice, I asked the Lord, “How long?.” And in my mind He answered me, “Life is very precious.” {That was two years ago.} I feel it is important to realize God is God. And most likely we could not even handle knowing things we ask answers to. I know Jesus loves me so hugely, I cannot as a human come remotely close to loving Him as much. So I will trust Him, while my faith is strengthened in waiting.
Oh Robin, you are in the toughest waiting period of all. I think you are very wise with your statement, “most likely we could not even handle knowing things we ask answers to.” Yet still we ask and ask. I guess it’s human nature to want to understand the reasons for hard times. We don’t ask as much during the good times, we’re just grateful and go on. Thank you so much for sharing your insights about waiting with us; I will stop right now and lift Larry (and you) in prayer. Praising God with you for the miracles he has already received. Hugs!
Thank you so much for caring and praying.