Not How, But What

As the war between the house of Saul and the house of David went on, Abner became a powerful leader among those loyal to Saul.  One day Ishbosheth, Saul’s son, accused Abner of sleeping with one of his father’s concubines, a woman named Rizpah, daughter of Aiah.  Abner was furious. “Am I some Judean dog to be kicked around like this?” he shouted.  “After all I have done for your father, Saul, and his family and friends by not handing you over to David, is this my reward—that you find fault with me about this woman?  May God strike me and even kill me if I don’t do everything I can to help David get what the Lord has promised him!  I’m going to take Saul’s kingdom and give it to David. I will establish the throne of David over Israel as well as Judah, all the way from Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south.”  Ishbosheth didn’t dare say another word because he was afraid of what Abner might do. [2 Samuel 3.6-11]

Talk about a messed up set of circumstances!

I cannot help but wonder what went through David's mind all the time that passed from when Samuel anointed him as king until the time of the events described above.

God had indeed promised Israel to David and yet here was Abner claiming that he would facilitate God's promise to David.  And, although he lost his life in doing so, Abner did, in fact, initiate the events that led to David's control over all Israel.

This is a good time to think about God's will.  What is God's will and how will it come to pass?  Can anyone say for sure?  I am certain David had some thoughts about the subject as did Abner.  It would be worth mentioning that Ishbosheth probably had some ideas about what might the future might hold also!  It was certain that what God had promised would come to pass, but it was anyone's guess how it might happen!

My take-away on this is that God does indeed have a will in every matter and will accomplish that will.  I also believe my duty is to attempt to understand God's will and do my best to neither push it through nor resist it!  I furthermore believe it is my responsibility to rest in God's promise concerning His particular will on a given subject and stay calm and faithful throughout the process.

So, rather than sweating the details of how God will accomplish what He has promised, perhaps my time would be better spent understanding what that promise is!

Father, some days I find myself overwhelmed with the details.  Help me to stay focused on the promises You have made and remain calm that You will accomplish Your will.  I want to live in harmony with what You are doing, neither pushing nor pulling, but rather, working in synchronization with Your every plan.