Chapter five of 2nd Samuel records David being crowned king of all Israel. It was well over a decade from the time Samuel anointed David as king to the time he actually became king. You might also remember that Joseph’s dream was over 20 years in its realization also back in Genesis.
God always promises us a great future. “I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) Like with David and Joseph there is often some time between the promise and the realization.
We live in an “instant” world. We get what we want when we want it and at the right temperature we want it. We often expect the same from God. Ogilvie observes, “The fruits of the spirit do not become ours from a hurried-up, crash course on Christian living…Often we think only of the destination that God has for us and forget the journey. David’s pilgrimage had included adulation and persecution, deep friendships and dedicated enemies, but in it all God was moving David’s life forward toward its goal.”
Romans 8:28 teaches us that God “works all things together for good to those that love Him and are called according to His purpose.” God’s clear purpose for the believer is to become like Jesus. This pilgrimage often involves mountains to be climbed, long boring dirt roads to travel, barriers to cross, obstacles to overcome, enemies to face as well as abuse to suffer through.
Be encouraged in your trials! Through them all, God was moving David toward his destiny. God is also moving us towards our destiny. Paul reminds us that God is faithful to finish that which he started in us!