Before Victory Comes Defeat
When David had fled and made his escape, he went to Samuel at Ramah and told him all that Saul had done to him. Then he and Samuel went to Naioth and stayed there. Word came to Saul: “David is in Naioth at Ramah”; so he sent men to capture him. But when they saw a group of prophets prophesying, with Samuel standing there as their leader, the Spirit of God came on Saul’s men, and they also prophesied. (NIV) 1 Samuel 19:18-20
David was anointed king over Israel when he was young, probably a teenager then, but he became a king when he was 30. First, over Judah and second, over Israel. Within this period, a lot happened including becoming a fugitive.
From this, we can learn two things: when you await the promise of God, you may first experience a situation which is the exact opposite of what you were anointed for and secondly, what has been promised may take a little longer than expected to come through. We will discuss the first lesson now and the second in the next piece.
For example, Joseph was marked for a great position but before then, he went as far as the prisons. Abraham was destined to be the father of many nations as the name "Abraham" goes but way before that, he and his wife were barren. Job was purposed to be a very comfortable man but before, he suffered disease, poverty and the death of his children. Nelson Mandela is a popular figure but he went through a lot of pain before. The list is endless.
Similarly, you may be going through some very difficult times which represents the exact opposite of what you are believing God for. I want to encourage you that that is actually the path to victory so please do not give up.
Ultimately, I want to encourage you with the example of our Master Jesus Christ who is the author and giver of eternal life but first, went through death. He sits down now on the right hand of the Father up there but before His ascension, He first descended into hell. Then as He rose, He led captivity captives and have gifts onto men.
Dear reader, one of the gifts the Lord gave us is that victory will surely come. But remember that before then, there might be a period of experience of defeat. Be strong!!!