Gradual Victory
“Now there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David; and David grew steadily stronger, but the house of Saul grew weaker continually.” (2 Samuel 3:1)
We love the story of David’s victory over Goliath – instant, glorious, and powerful. But we rarely think of the fact that many more victories in David’s life were nothing like that. His ascent to becoming king of Israel, for example, lasted many years, and had many obstacles and setbacks. David did not become king immediately after Saul’s death, as we might expect. Instead, for seven more years, he is only accepted as ruler over his own tribe of Judah. This period is one of a vicious struggle between the house of David, and that of Saul, the nation is torn, and there are battles and unnecessary deaths. David could have started doubting God’s promise at this point. Surely, God could have given him the kingdom more easily and quickly. Instead, this victory came slowly and gradually. Are you waiting for a victory, a fulfillment of one of God’s promises? If so, don’t get discouraged, maybe this battle will take time. Even David didn’t always win with one shot.
By: Liya Abramova