Strongholds In the Wilderness

1 Samuel 23:14(NKJV)

14And David stayed in strongholds in the wilderness, and remained in the mountains in the Wilderness of Ziph. Saul sought him every day, but God did not deliver him into his hand. 

Do you ever feel that you are doing all the right things for God and yet you seem to be dwelling in the wilderness?  You know, that feeling of "God when am I ever going to catch a break?".  Well let's see what we can learn from the story of David.

David has been described as a man after God's heart.  David was highly favored by God.  David killed Goliath.  He was a valiant warrior.  And yet with all of that, David still had to deal with Saul repeatedly trying to hunt him down and kill him.  As the Scripture above says "David stayed in strongholds in the wilderness" and that "Saul sought him every day, but God did not deliver him into his hand".

Now if David is so highly favored by God, why is he having to go through all of this stuff?  Just like why if we are so highly favored as Christians, do we still have to go through this stuff.  I'm sure there are many reasons but let me sum it up in one statement.  Because that is what God needs us to do right then. 

But lets go back to the Scripture again.  David stayed in "strongholds" in the wilderness.  Notice that while he was in the wilderness he wasn't just out there on his own.  He was in a stronghold and even though he was still being chased, God made sure that David was ultimately safe.

Well guess what.  Even if you are going through trying times God is doing the same for you.  God gives us the stronghold of His Word and His love.  He keeps us safe.  Now even though David had to go through some really trying times, because David was faithful he was ultimately rewarded.

Do you think God would do anything less for you?  Keep the faith and continue to look to God.  God will not disappoint!