What other biblical figures found strength in God during trials? Strength in the Wilderness: David’s Example 1 Samuel 23:15: “Now David became aware that Saul had come out to seek his life while he was in the Wilderness of Ziph at Horesh.” David was exhausted, hunted, and isolated—yet he “strengthened himself in the LORD his God” (1 Samuel 30:6). His choice to lean on God sets the pattern Scripture repeats. Others Who Found Strength in God during Trials • Joseph in Egypt – Genesis 39:21: “But the LORD was with Joseph and extended kindness to him; He granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.” – Though betrayed and imprisoned, Joseph trusted God’s presence and timing, later declaring, “God intended it for good” (Genesis 50:20). • Moses at the Red Sea – Exodus 14:13–14: “Moses told the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation… The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.’” – Hemmed in by water and Pharaoh, Moses drew courage from God’s promise and watched the sea split. • Joshua before Jericho – Joshua 6:2: “Then the LORD said to Joshua, ‘See, I have delivered Jericho into your hand…’” – God’s word empowered Joshua to march around walls instead of storming them. • Gideon in the Winepress – Judges 6:12: “The Angel of the LORD appeared to him and said, ‘The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.’” – Gideon’s weakness became strength once he believed the Lord’s verdict rather than his fears. • Hannah’s Barrenness – 1 Samuel 1:17: “Eli answered, ‘Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant the petition you have asked of Him.’” – Hannah poured out her soul; God turned her tears into the joy of Samuel’s birth. • Elijah under the Broom Tree – 1 Kings 19:7–8: “The Angel of the LORD returned a second time and touched him, saying, ‘Get up and eat, or the journey will be too much for you.’” – Strengthened by heavenly bread, Elijah traveled forty days to Horeb to hear God’s still, small voice. • Jehoshaphat before Overwhelming Odds – 2 Chronicles 20:12: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” – As the choir led the army, God routed the invaders; praise became their weapon. • Hezekiah and the Assyrian Threat – 2 Kings 19:14: “Hezekiah went up to the house of the LORD and spread [the letter] out before the LORD.” – Casting the problem on God’s altar resulted in 185,000 enemies falling overnight (v. 35). • Daniel in the Lions’ Den – Daniel 6:23: “No injury was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.” – Consistent prayer fortified Daniel against royal decrees and roaring lions alike. • Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the Furnace – Daniel 3:25: “Look! I see four men, unbound and unharmed… and the fourth looks like a son of the gods!” – Their resolve—“the God we serve is able” (v. 17)—brought God’s presence into the flames. • Esther before the King – Esther 4:16: “I will go to the king… and if I perish, I perish!” – Fasting and faith propelled Esther to risk her life; God reversed the edict of death. • Job in Suffering – Job 19:25: “I know that my Redeemer lives, and in the end He will stand upon the earth.” – Job’s confidence in a Redeemer anchored him when every earthly support collapsed. • Paul and Silas in Philippian Chains – Acts 16:25: “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.” – Praise shook prison doors, proving God’s power works even behind bars. Timeless Takeaway From wilderness caves to fiery furnaces, God consistently meets His people in their hardest hours. Like David in Ziph, ordinary believers become courageous when they remember that the Lord is present, powerful, and faithful to His word. |
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