I like watching sports. Mostly the NHL (my Canadiens) and the NFL (my Cowboys). I know, neither is great right now. Every year fans get their hopes up and dream about what a championship run would be like, but the harsh reality is this: both leagues have 32 teams, and 31 of them end up not winning in the end. That’s 97% of all players experiencing defeat every single season. As one philosopher said, “Second is just first in a long line of losers.”

By the time we get to 1 Samuel 23, David might think that he is mired in a Buffalo Sabres, Cleveland Browns kind of perennial losing streak. Suiting up year after year with nothing to show for it. Saul continues his relentless pursuit with David on the run continuously, hiding in caves and evading capture. By all appearances, the loser. And what does this mean for us? Our culture loves to hand out participation ribbons and push its “you can do it” mantra, but the reality is many of us hold out little hope of ever “winning” and often feel crushed and defeated in the regular course of living. Slogans and ribbons aren’t getting it done. For David, the difference is in his faith in God. Every so-called “loss” is a step toward greater trust. As David navigates the threats and betrayals in 1 Samuel 23, he finds his confidence in the Lord increasing as he sees God at work in his life. There is so much for us in this narrative as we too make The Great Exchange: From defeat to faith.

Series: The Great Exchange

Todd Dugard

Message: 8 – From Defeat to Faith Part 1

Harvest Bible Chapel

Text: 1 Samuel 23

November 3, 2024

When it looks like I’m about to take a loss, God is simply increasing my faith

by…

…expanding my wisdom (v 1-5)

Faith is believing the Word of God and acting upon it, no matter how I feel, knowing God promises a good result.—Ron Allchin

…building my trust (v 6-14)

Each betrayal begins with trust.—Martin Luther

Only a friend can betray a friend. A stranger has nothing to gain. For only a friend comes close enough to ever cause so much pain.—Michael Card.

It is frightfully easy for the heart to rely upon people, as we know right well! …Confidence in people will betray your hopes, but faith in God will enrich you beyond your expectations. May our heart always keep to that—trusting God; trusting in God alone. —Charles Spurgeon

…encouraging my soul (v 15-18)

2 Corinthians 4:5-6

2 Corinthians 4:7

2 Corinthians 4:8-10

…strengthening my resolve (v 19-29)

Hebrews 11:39

Hebrews 12:1-2

Endurance / ὑπομονή (Hupomonē) / the capacity to continue to bear up under difficult circumstances—Louw-Nida, 25.174

Hebrews 12:3