A cave was there, and Saul went in to relieve himself. David and his men were far back in the cave. The men said, "This is the day the Lord spoke of when he said to you, 'I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.' " Then David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul's robe. Afterwards, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe. He said to his men, "The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord's anointed, or lift my hand against him; for he is the anointed of the Lord." (1 Samuel 24:3-6)
Test of faith
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith–of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire–may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed. (1 Peter 1:6-7)
The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart. (Proverbs 17:3)
A Trying Time
Being shaped by God
Shaped by adversity
I am in the midst of lions; I lie among ravenous beasts– men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords. (Psalm 57:4)
Learning to depend on God
They spread a net for my feet - I was bowed down in distress. They dug a pit in my path – but they have fallen into it themselves. My heart is steadfast, O God! (Psalm 57:6-7)
A Trusting Time
Knowing God is with him David praises
My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. (Psalm 57:7-11)
Trust now - triumph later
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18)
