Any training – physical, mental, or spiritual – is characterized at first by failure. We fail more often than we succeed. But if we persevere, we gradually see progress till we are succeeding more often than failing. This is true as we seek to put to death particular sins. At first it seems we are making no progress, so we become discouraged and think, What’s the use?! I can never overcome that sin. That is exactly what Satan wants us to think. It is at this point that we must exercise perseverance. We keep wanting instant success, but holiness doesn’t come that way. Our sinful habits are not broken overnight. Follow-through is required to make any change in our lives, and follow-through requires perseverance.
Jerry Bridges

Bible Reading: MAR26: I Samuel 18-19

MARCH 26

In chapters 18–21 we see the transition between David’s
service in Saul’s court and his exile as a fugitive. David’s
greatest test of faith was not when he faced Goliath, but when he
had to serve daily in Saul’s court. These chapters explain how he
was moved from being Saul’s favorite to Saul’s foe. The main issue
is David’s faith and we can see how this man of God all but lost his
confidence in God because of the trials that came to his life.

The love between David and Jonathan was beautifully
silhouetted against the dark background of Saul’s demonic jealousy
and his base treachery toward David with regard to his daughters,
Merah and Michal. However, Michal did become David’s wife, in spite
of the trap set for David in arranging the marriage. It is
unfortunate that David married Michal, for the union was never a
happy one. David lost her to another man while he was in exile, but
gained her back when he started to reign at Hebron. However, he
attitude toward David led to a complete separation later on.

Saul’s plan to murder David is no longer a secret, for now
the servants are commanded to slay him. Saul even tried to get
Jonathan to kill him. Then the deranged king, in spite of his oath
to Jonathan, was overwhelmed by his mania and tried to pin David to
the wall with his javelin. Michal saved David’s life and he fled to
Samuel. This was perhaps the wisest move David made, for Samuel
would be able to pray for him and counsel him. Note that Samuel
defeated Saul, not with lies or weapons but with the Spirit of God!
By using spiritual weapons Samuel delayed Saul and gave David
opportunity to get away.