Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria Grace for Living Devotional Sunday September 17, 2023 TOPIC: WHEN ADVERSITY BECOMES PROFITABLE

 

BIBLE READING:

2 SAMUEL 16:5-13

5 And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came. 6 And he cast stones at David, and at all the servants of king David: and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left. 7 And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial: 8 The Lord hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned; and the Lord hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son: and, behold, thou art taken in thy mischief, because thou art a bloody man. 9 Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head. 10 And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? so let him curse, because the Lord hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so? 11 And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now may this Benjamite do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for the Lord hath bidden him. 12 It may be that the Lord will look on mine affliction, and that the Lord will requite me good for his cursing this day. 13 And as David and his men went by the way, Shimei went along on the hill's side over against him, and cursed as he went, and threw stones at him, and cast dust.  

KEY VERSE:

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” Romans 8:28  

MEDITATION:

From a casual view point it looks awkward to believe that adversity can be profitable. Today’s bible text reveals how the undeserved provocation David received taught him patience, forgiveness and forbearance. The conduct of Shimei was cruel as well as irritating. But let us turn from the cruel and irritating conduct of this disappointed Israelite and consider the forbearance which David manifested. He received the provocation of Shimei with meek silence. He heard his cursing, accusations, casting of stones and dust and he knew them to be false; but he answered him not a word. When people cast stones and dust on you wrongly how do you respond?   

Note also that David forgave the provocation of Shimei though his friends around him were enraged to the utmost and were eager to vindicate the honour of their insulted monarch with their swords. The power of executing Shimei was vested in David's hands as the King; but God delights in love than vindictive passions.   

Sometimes when God allows us to pass through adversity in the hands of people lower than us (especially when we are not wrong), such experiences come to teach us some lessons if we would learn. It is instructive to know that Jesus learnt obedience by the things He suffered (Hebrews 5:8). A humble tender spirit would turn reproaches into blessings, and so, get good by them, instead of being provoked by them.  

Can you recall any adversity that brought a blessing to you?   

PRAYER:

Father Lord, please grow me through adversities you allow in my life today and always.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:

PROVERBS 9-11, 2 CORINTHIANS 3