How does trusting others with family reflect faith in God's provision? Setting the scene • David is on the run from Saul. • He brings his elderly parents from Bethlehem to Moab for safety. • 1 Samuel 22:4: “So he left them in the care of the king of Moab, and they stayed with him as long as David remained in the stronghold.” What trusting the king of Moab said about David’s faith • Acknowledged limitation: David could not protect his parents while dodging Saul’s army. • Recognized God-given means: Moab, though foreign, was a providential refuge (Ruth, David’s great-grandmother, was Moabite—Ruth 4:13-17). • Acted, then rested: Once the parents were lodged, David focused on God’s next step, confident the Lord would use Moab to shield them. • Modeled biblical principle: entrusting loved ones to reliable hands is ultimately entrusting them to God (Psalm 31:5; 2 Timothy 1:12). Other biblical snapshots of trust • Jochebed placing baby Moses in the Nile (Exodus 2:3-9) • Hannah leaving Samuel at Shiloh (1 Samuel 1:24-28) • Mary and Joseph fleeing with Jesus to Egypt, trusting God to guide foreign rulers (Matthew 2:13-15) • Paul committing churches to elders and to “the word of His grace” (Acts 20:32) Why God often uses others • Community reflects His character (Genesis 2:18; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). • Shared stewardship spreads blessing (Philippians 4:14-19). • Mutual dependence battles isolation and pride (Romans 12:4-5). Faith lessons for families today • Recognize seasons: sometimes protecting family means releasing them to safe hands—schools, churches, care facilities, mission fields. • Vet responsibly, then trust fully: wisdom researches options; faith rests once the decision is made (Proverbs 3:5-6). • See God, not just people: reliable caregivers are God’s instruments; security flows from Him (Psalm 121:1-8). • Maintain connection: David did not abandon his parents; he returned when able (cf. 1 Samuel 22:3-4 implies ongoing concern). Practical takeaways – Make decisions prayerfully and promptly when danger or need arises. – Recall past providences; Ruth’s Moabite link encouraged David. – Encourage those caring for your loved ones; they are part of God’s provision. – Rest: faith looks beyond immediate control to the Lord who “will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). |
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