Deeper Reflection
THERE ARE OTHER GOD-MOMENTS in his discipleship journey that David should look back on to find encouragement to look up to God when he was in dire straits. David should remember how Divine Providence restrained him twice from foolishly killing God’s anointed king (1 Sam 24:5-6; 26:7-12), and from reckless vengeance and bloodshed on Nabal and his whole household (1 Sam 25:32-34). My longest wilderness journey – financial wilderness – lasted for 19 years. Before I answered God’s call to full-time service, I was a blue-collar worker for nine years, earning a three figure salary. Despite the faithful giving to God, and at times sacrificially, God didn’t quite fulfil His promise in Malachi 3:10. I experienced only two miraculous provisions totalling $31. Saving money was hard for me. I struggled with anxiety over my future, particularly, the money to get married. Once God asked me, “David, are all your needs met?” I replied, “Yes, Lord.” “Do you need the money to get married now?” God asked. “No, Lord. I don’t even have a girlfriend yet,” I answered. Then God left me with a question: “So?” God did not just provide more than sufficiently for our wedding; but since that day for 29 years now (exceeding the 19 years!), “the windows of heaven” have not closed. As I reach mid-sixties, I do grapple with my future financial security. But I look back at God’s journey with me in these past 48 years. God has been faithful and He will remain so the rest of my life.