Winning over Pain II

TEXT: II Sam. 12:1-16, MORE LESSONS: Psa. 51:8

In addition to David's prayer as we saw yesterday, he also fasted. Fasting helps the spirit man to make intercession. It helps to make one sober enough to pray and be less distracted. Fasting won't bribe God but it will show commitment to the matter at hand. Jesus instructs, And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting Mk. 9:29. David lay all night upon the earth. This is unbelievable for a king, but David did it. In fact, v21 tells us that David even wept. In times of pain, it is human and natural to weep. Note, however, that David did not just sit in ashes; he fasted and prayed.

The most exemplary act of David in this matter was clearly demonstrated when the child died, Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the LORD, and worshiped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat II Sam. 12:20. This is an incredible act of maturity by David.

After the worst had happened, he put an end to mourning; he washed, anointed himself, changed his black mourning clothes, went to worship Jehovah and then he went to his house. When the baby was ill, he refused to eat but at his death, he asked for food, And David comforted Bath-sheba his wife, and went in unto her, and lay with her: and she bare a son, and he called his name Solomon: and the LORD loved him v24.

When his servants asked him why he behaved like that, David responded, And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me II Sam. 12:22-23.

That was great grace and maturity. Learn from David's act of ending his pain, be an example of the believer in all things, including pain. Never refuse to be comforted in pain, it is not a Christian way. All things work together for good for a child of God.

PRAYER / ACTION

* Tell the Lord to make you an example of a true believer in pain.

* Tell the Lord that no pain will be bigger than you.

* Ask that you will not deny God because of pain.

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