1 Samuel 22:3 “And David went thence to Mizpeh of Moab: and he said unto the king of Moab, Let my father and my mother, I pray thee, come forth, and be with you, till I know what God will do for me.”
Introduction: Trusting God Without Knowing the Details
David’s words—“till I know what God will do for me” — reveal a heart that chooses faith over fear, trust over control, and patience over anxiety. In a world filled with uncertainty and challenges, his statement reflects a deep reliance on divine guidance, illustrating a profound understanding that surrendering to a higher power can lead to peace amidst chaos. This mindset allows David to navigate life’s trials not by clinging to his own limited understanding, but by embracing the assurance that faith brings. It illustrates how, when faced with doubts and struggles, one can find solace in the belief that there is a greater plan at work, encouraging others to cultivate the same resilient spirit.
During his season of fleeing from Saul (1 Samuel 22-24), David faced great uncertainty. He had been anointed as king, but instead of ruling, he was running. The throne was promised to him, yet he was hiding in caves. Would he still trust God’s plan, even when everything seemed to contradict it?
His journey teaches us three powerful aspects of trusting God:
- Trusting God even when we don’t know what He will do.
- Trusting God without taking matters into our own hands.
- Trusting in God’s promises, even when circumstances say otherwise.
David didn’t need to see the full picture—he only needed to trust the One who held his future.
1. Trusting God Even When We Don’t Know What He Will Do
1 Samuel 22:3-5 David’s Uncertain Future
“And David went thence to Mizpeh of Moab: and he said unto the king of Moab, Let my father and my mother, I pray thee, come forth, and be with you, till I know what God will do for me.”
- David didn’t know where to go next, feeling a mix of confusion and uncertainty about the choices that lay ahead of him, as he stood at the crossroads of his life, grappling with the weight of his decisions and the potential consequences that loomed like shadows in the distance. In 1 Samuel 22, he faced the daunting reality of being pursued by King Saul, who sought his life out of jealousy and fear. Fleeing to the cave of Adullam, he found himself alone and desperate, while his family and the distressed, discontented, and indebted rallied around him, looking to him for leadership and hope. This gathering of misfits heightened his sense of uncertainty, as he not only had to think of his safety but also the welfare of those depending on him. With the burden of protecting his loved ones and the ever-present threat of Saul’s men growing closer, David was torn between fighting back or continuing to run, each choice riddled with potential dangers and moral dilemmas that left him feeling trapped in an inescapable dilemma.
- He sought temporary refuge for his family, demonstrating not only his concern for others even in his distress, but also his resilience and determination to protect them amidst the chaos and uncertainty that surrounded him.
- The prophet Gad then told David to leave the stronghold and return to Judah—a dangerous move, but one that required trust in God, as it involved stepping out of the safety of a fortified position and confronting the uncertainties that lay ahead, fully relying on divine guidance and protection during a time of peril.
Deeper Revelation
- Faith is trusting in the middle of the unknown, not just at the end of the journey, where the path may be unclear and the outcome uncertain, but still believing that each step along the way holds significance and purpose, allowing one to embrace the challenges and uncertainties that come with the experience, finding strength in perseverance and hope in every moment of doubt, knowing that the journey itself shapes our character and growth.
- David didn’t demand a timeline from God—he simply waited for God to act, trusting that in His perfect timing, the right answer would come to fruition, and he would receive the guidance he sought.
- Faith is not passive waiting; it is active dependence on God’s leading, a profound journey through life’s uncertainties, where each step is guided by trust in His divine wisdom and timing. It requires the courage to step into the unknown with a heart full of hope, embracing the challenges that come our way, while remaining steadfast in our belief that He is orchestrating every moment for our good and His glory. Each day unfolds a new chapter in this journey, drawing us closer to understanding His purpose in our lives.
Supporting Scriptures
- Genesis 12:1 – “Go to the land I will show you.”
- Abraham, like David, obeyed without a clear roadmap, showing immense faith and trust in God’s plan, despite the uncertainties that lay ahead, and he continued to persevere through trials and tribulations, all the while believing that his obedience would ultimately lead to a greater purpose and fulfillment in his life and the lives of those around him.
- Faith is not waiting for God to reveal everything—it is obeying what He has already revealed.
- Hebrews 11:8 – “By faith Abraham obeyed… not knowing where he was going.”
- Faith means saying yes before knowing how everything will unfold. Embracing the uncertainty and trusting that each step taken will lead to greater understanding and growth along the way.
“Faith is not about knowing what God will do next—it’s about trusting that whatever He does will be good.”
Application
- You may not see the next step, but trust that God is leading you.
- Stop waiting for complete clarity—step out in faith, knowing God is in control.
2. Trusting God Without Taking Matters Into Our Own Hands
1 Samuel 24:1-7 – David Spares Saul’s Life
“And he said to his men, ‘The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed…’ So David restrained his servants with these words, and did not permit them to rise against Saul.” (v.6-7)
- David had the perfect opportunity to kill Saul and take the throne—but he refused, demonstrating his deep sense of integrity and respect for the anointed king, even in the face of personal gain.
- His men urged him to act, but he chose to wait for God’s timing, believing that God’s plan was better than his own, trusting in divine wisdom and the promise of eventual clarity over immediate action.
- He trusted not only in God’s power but in God’s goodness, believing that divine love would guide him through every challenge, providing support and comfort in times of struggle.
Deeper Revelation
- Just because an opportunity presents itself does not mean it is God’s will; it is essential to discern and seek guidance in understanding whether this path aligns with a higher purpose or plan for your life.
- Waiting on God is often harder than taking action, but it is always wiser in the grand scheme of life, offering a deeper understanding and clarity that impulsive decisions may overlook.
- David had to trust in God’s way, not just in God’s promise, understanding that sometimes the journey is challenging and requires patience, perseverance, and unwavering faith in His plan for his life.
- The promise (kingship) was sure, but the process belonged to God.
Sometimes, the hardest part of faith is not stepping forward but standing still.
Supporting Scriptures
- Proverbs 16:9 – “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.”
- God’s timing is always better than our own shortcuts.
- Psalm 27:14 – “Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!”
- Faith is strengthened in the waiting, not weakened.
“Faith is not just trusting God’s promise—it’s trusting His process and His timing.”
Application
- Are you trying to force what God has promised instead of waiting for His perfect timing?
- Trust that waiting on God will bring a better outcome than acting in haste.
3. Trusting in God’s Promises, Even When Circumstances Say Otherwise
David Knew He Was Anointed as King, Although His Situation Said the Opposite. Despite being persecuted and living in hiding, David remained confident in God’s promise to him as seen in 1 Samuel 16:13, where he was anointed by Samuel. Even when pursued by Saul, David expressed his trust in the Lord in Psalm 27:1, affirming, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” His faith was unwavering in 1 Samuel 24:10, when he spared Saul’s life, recognizing that his kingship was divinely ordained and not to be taken by force, showcasing his understanding that God’s timing would prevail.
He had every reason to doubt the promise—but he never let circumstances define his faith; instead, he chose to believe in the potential of hope and the power of perseverance to transform his situation. Despite the overwhelming odds stacked against him, he understood that obstacles could either serve as barriers or as stepping stones toward his dreams. With each setback, he reflected on his journey, recognizing that resilience resided within him, fueling his desire to push forward. Each challenge became an opportunity to learn and grow, further solidifying his conviction that patience and hard work would eventually yield positive results. In the depths of uncertainty, he clung to his vision of a brighter future, one that would not only be a testament to his strength but also an inspiration to others who faced similar struggles.
Deeper Revelation
- Faith is believing in God’s promise even when everything seems to contradict it, standing strong through the trials and challenges that life presents, and trusting in a divine plan that transcends our understanding.
- God’s delays are not His denials; they are often part of a divine timing that we may not immediately understand, reminding us to trust in His plan and purpose for our lives, even when it may seem difficult or frustrating to wait. These moments challenge us to deepen our faith and perspective, reinforcing the belief that everything unfolds in its own time, and that patience is a virtue that ultimately leads to greater blessings.
Supporting Scriptures
- Romans 8:28 – “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God.”
- God is not just in control—He is actively working things out for your good, even when circumstances seem overwhelming or uncertain, demonstrating His unwavering love and guidance throughout your journey.
- Habakkuk 2:3 – “For the vision is yet for an appointed time… though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”
- God’s promises have perfect timing—trust in the process.
“God’s promise is not invalid just because it hasn’t happened yet—His timing is as perfect as His plan.”
Application
- Don’t let circumstances weaken your trust in God’s promises.
- Trust that God’s delays are preparing you, not punishing you.
Conclusion: A Faith That Trusts Even Without Clarity
We don’t always know what God will do—but we can trust Him anyway.
“Faith is not about knowing the future but knowing the One who holds the future.”
We must trust without taking matters into our own hands.
“The strongest faith is the one that doesn’t demand answers but trusts the Author of the story.”
We trust that God’s promises are true, even when life says otherwise.
“Even when life feels uncertain, God’s goodness is never in question.”
Final Challenge
- Let go of your need for control—trust that God is writing your story better than you could.
- Stop asking for clarity—start walking in confidence.
- Rest in the truth that God’s goodness is constant, even when your circumstances are not.
“I may not know what God will do for me yet, but I trust Him completely, knowing that His plan is always good, His timing is always perfect, and His purpose for my life is always greater than I can imagine.”
budi hidajat 