How should we respond when leadership decisions seem contrary to God's promises? Setting the Scene: A Crown That Shouldn’t Fit “Abner … made him king over Gilead, over the Ashurites, over Jezreel, over Ephraim, over Benjamin—even over all Israel.” (2 Samuel 2:9) • God had already spoken—David was anointed (1 Samuel 16:13). • Abner’s political choice elevated Ish-bosheth, contradicting the divine promise. • The narrative is factual and literal; Scripture shows us a real moment when human authority clashed with God’s revealed plan. David’s Quiet Confidence • Stayed in Hebron, ruling only Judah (2 Samuel 2:11). • Refused to seize the throne by force (see 1 Samuel 24:6; 26:9). • Waited seven and a half years until the entire kingdom came to him (2 Samuel 5:1-3). How to Respond When Leadership Seems Off-Course • Trust God’s sovereignty – “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will do it.” (Psalm 37:5-6) – “Every heart of a king is in the hand of the Lord.” (Proverbs 21:1) • Honor legitimate authority without violating conscience – “Every person must be subject to the governing authorities.” (Romans 13:1-2) – Yet, “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29) • Wait rather than scheme – “Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him.” (Psalm 37:7) • Keep doing what is right – “Do good … that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men.” (1 Peter 2:15) • Pray for leaders – “Pray … for kings and all who are in authority.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2) • Seek wise, godly counsel – “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22) Lessons in Practice 1. God’s timeline often differs from ours; patience is obedience. 2. Submission and faith can coexist with firm allegiance to God’s Word. 3. Our character under disappointing leadership prepares us for future influence. Passages to Remember • 2 Samuel 3:1—“The war between the house of Saul and the house of David lasted a long time.” • Psalm 37 (entire psalm)—blueprint for trust during injustice. • James 1:4—“Let perseverance finish its work.” Living It Out Today • Anchor your heart daily in Scripture before reacting to headlines. • Speak respectfully, act ethically, and keep eternal promises in view. • Watch God turn apparent detours into direct routes to His will—just as He did for David. |
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