ANNOUNCEMENT:

After Christmas, we will begin a 22-year journey through the Bible. The first book is The Letter of James. The new format will be 7 days in the chapter (Daily Devo) and then one longer form of teaching from that chapter (The Vince Miller Show). It will feel like seven days of close examination of Scripture, with one high-level teaching that is practical and applicable, tying the chapter together. Also, I want you to pray that God will use this in a special way so that people everywhere will know, grow, and go in their faith, living all-in for Him.

Does a present rejection feel like protection or only rejection?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

In this chapter, we look behind enemy lines at the Philistines as they line up for battle, and David just got shut out from joining the Philistines. Let's read 1 Samuel 29:6-7:

Then Achish called David and said to him, “As the Lord lives, you have been honest, and to me it seems right that you should march out and in with me in the campaign. For I have found nothing wrong in you from the day of your coming to me to this day. Nevertheless, the lords do not approve of you. So go back now; and go peaceably, that you may not displease the lords of the Philistines.” — 1 Samuel 29:6-7

Achish is trying to save face here. First, it is clear that Achish doesn't have much clout with the other four Kings. Second, it is clear that Achish is also a little embarrassed because it was the "Commanders" and not the "Kings" who pushed back on David's presence. Third, Achish is also trying to be diplomatic in his approach to David by addressing his "Lord or Yahweh" and reassuring him that he has "found nothing wrong" in him.

Sometimes rejection is God’s protection.

David was running a long-range covert plot against the Philistines. There is no doubt in my mind that David and his men were convinced that this would be the moment they would wipe out the Philistines forever. But God had other plans (as you will see in the coming chapter). Right now, God wants to remove David completely from this situation because the Philistines were his tool to remove Saul as King over his people. David doesn't know this but God does.

Many times in my life, God has not done what I have wanted him to do. In plenty of these moments, I have thought that God is rejecting my request or even me. But in hindsight, I have learned that his rejection is often my protection. He has protected me from being in a career, on a team, with a person, or in a relationship where I did not need to be.

So keep in mind that rejection is not always rejection. It might be God's protection. Ultimately, you might thank the God who was protecting you all along.

#GodsProtection, #RejectionIsRedirection, #TrustHisPlan

Ask This:

1. Where have you experienced rejection, and how might God use it to protect or redirect you?
2. How can trusting God’s plan help you face rejection with confidence and peace?

Do This:

Praise God for his rejection and protection.

Pray This:

Lord, thank You for the times You’ve protected me through what felt like rejection. Help me trust Your greater plan, even when I don’t understand. Amen.

Play This:

Protector.