Vindication…

Have you ever had an experience arise in your life where you felt completely helpless to do anything about it? Have you ever been wronged by an individual or group of people, and wanted to take revenge on those that hurt you? If you have, then you are not alone. Many people have dealt with these types of experiences and felt overwhelmed by their circumstances. The Bible talks about many men and women of God that had terrible injustices done to them. They were mocked, ridiculed, beaten, and even killed for the sake of the Gospel. The Bible is very clear that persecution and adversaries will arise in your life. But He gives a promise to each believer that He will be there, and see you through every obstacle. The Bible teaches that you should rejoice in trials and persecutions that come your way because of your walk with Christ and your belief in His truths. Do not be afraid when these troubles come about; but take heart and have courage. God is there and He will never fail you.

In the Books of Samuel it talks about a mighty man of God named David. When David was a boy he was a shepherd. He tended to his flock and would sing praises to God in the field. At a young age a prophet named Samuel came and visited David and his family and anointed David as king. David was unassuming and was seen as the “least” of his brothers. Yet God saw something special in him and knew that he had a king’s heart.

During David’s youth a group of people called the Philistines came to invade Israel and wanted to destroy the Israelites. There was one Philistine bigger than them all. He was as big as a giant, and his name was Goliath. There was not one man in the land that could take down Goliath and defeat him. But David was not afraid. He had courage and was willing to fight this giant. David stood before Goliath, and with one smooth stone and a sling shot, he defeated him. The whole nation sung praises to David’s name because of this and held him up in high esteem. As time went on David gained great favor with God and man.

Saul, who was the king at that time, became angry with David and jealousy gripped him. He hated that the people loved David more than him and gave him higher praise. The people would sing, “Saul has slain his thousands and David his ten thousands.” This enraged Saul and it caused him to turn against David. Saul pursued David in evil and tried to put him to death. Because of this, David had to flee and live in the caves. With him went a few hundred fighting men that were loyal and watched over him. Even when David fled, Saul did not stop pursuing him. He continued to chase after him, attempting many times to kill him. But God was faithful to him and never allowed Saul to prevail. This lasted many years and was a great source of pain and hardship for David. After many years Saul died in battle and David was able to return to the land. At that time, he became king over Judah, and then seven and a half years later he became king over Israel. God vindicated David, allowing him to prevail over his enemies and putting him in a great place of esteem and honor. David did not take revenge on Saul, his enemy, but allowed God to do the fighting on his behalf.

Through David’s experience with Saul God did a great work in his heart. He taught him through this time, and raised him up as a mighty man of God. He gained David’s trust by showing him that He would watch over him no matter what. He proved Himself faithful and true, and delivered David from every trial and tribulation. Through this experience He prepared David for his soon coming kingship and made his heart ready to rule an entire nation.

Through all of this, David did not try to raise himself up or prove himself out. He allowed the Lord to work in his heart and raise him up for His glory. He gave God room to work on his behalf and to work out every matter. He trusted the Lord and did not allow his anger or hurt to block out God’s voice and leadership in his life.

No matter what you may be facing in your life keep your heart steadfast on Jesus. Do not get angry at the Lord and turn from Him in times of trouble. This is a time of preparation for your destiny, and He will turn what the devil meant for evil in your life for His good. Allow God to strengthen you and prepare you to handle what He has in store for you. In this training you will be made strong. Your character will be built and your trust will be made steadfast in the Lord. Because David allowed God to raise him up, he was able to stand in the place God gave him as king. David was regarded as one of the greatest kings to ever live, and he reigned for forty years. What is built in the flesh will always fall. Do not build your house on the sand. Allow your life to be built on the rock of Jesus Christ; and allow God to vindicate you and bring you out of every trial and tribulation.

You can start by praying this prayer aloud to Him;

Dear Lord Jesus,

I ask that You would forgive me of my sins and wash me clean with Your blood. I give You my life this day. And I give You every trail and tribulation. I forgive those who have wronged me and I choose to release the hurt and anger from these matters to You. I won’t take up weapons in the flesh and try to fight my own battles. But I give You these matters and ask that You would fight the battle on my behalf. Just as you fought the battle on King David’s behalf, so I ask that You would do the same for me. I thank You for these things and I give You all the glory, honor, and praise.

In Jesus Mighty Name I Pray,

Amen