The Hidden Dangers of Success
As soon as David returned from killing the Philistine, Abner took him and brought him before Saul, with David still holding the Philistine’s head...From that day, Saul kept David with him and did not let him go back to his family...Whatever mission Saul sent him on, David was so successful that Saul gave him a high rank in the army…
When the men were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out from all the towns of Israel to meet king Saul with singing and dancing , with joyful songs and with timbrels and lyres. As they danced, they sang: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” Saul was very angry. “This refrain displeased him greatly. “They have credited David with tens of thousands.” he thought, “but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?” And from that time on, Saul kept a close eye on David. 1 Samuel 17:57- 1Samuel 18-9
When the men were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out from all the towns of Israel to meet king Saul with singing and dancing , with joyful songs and with timbrels and lyres. As they danced, they sang: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” Saul was very angry. “This refrain displeased him greatly. “They have credited David with tens of thousands.” he thought, “but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?” And from that time on, Saul kept a close eye on David. 1 Samuel 17:57- 1Samuel 18-9
David had been used by God to save Israel from the hands of their enemies. There was great jubilation but David was given more credit than the king and that spelt trouble for David. Saul was angry and he started to keep a close eye on David fearing that David would ascend to the throne over him. As the story unfolds, we see king Saul personally trying to kill David on different occasions. It was no fault of David that God gave him the grace and the anointing to defeat Goliath and prosper in all his military assignments. But he had to pay a price for that success. He aroused the anger and jealousy of king Saul.
One of the lessons worth learning early in life is that we cannot be naive about the price of success. Sometimes, God’s grace upon our lives will draw the anger and jealousy of others who might feel threatened by our success. They would often do all they can either to put impediments in our way or even destroy us in whatever way they can. The more recognition and praise we get, the greater the danger of those attacks.
As God blesses and prospers you in your calling and undertakings, remember to pray proactively about those blessings. Ask God to give you grace and wisdom to handle yourself with absolute humility. The praises you receive will draw the anger and jealousy of others and they might keep a close eye on you, seeking to stop your progress.
But Just as God protected David from king Saul, God will protect you as you call upon Him in daily prayer. Divine success comes with hidden dangers but God will see you through every attack you encounter if you depend on Him.
One of the lessons worth learning early in life is that we cannot be naive about the price of success. Sometimes, God’s grace upon our lives will draw the anger and jealousy of others who might feel threatened by our success. They would often do all they can either to put impediments in our way or even destroy us in whatever way they can. The more recognition and praise we get, the greater the danger of those attacks.
As God blesses and prospers you in your calling and undertakings, remember to pray proactively about those blessings. Ask God to give you grace and wisdom to handle yourself with absolute humility. The praises you receive will draw the anger and jealousy of others and they might keep a close eye on you, seeking to stop your progress.
But Just as God protected David from king Saul, God will protect you as you call upon Him in daily prayer. Divine success comes with hidden dangers but God will see you through every attack you encounter if you depend on Him.
Prayer: Lord, as you bless and prosper my life, help me to stay humble and prayerful. Cover and protect me from those whose anger I might arouse because of your grace upon my life. Amen.