20. David’s win-win

Pursued by the king and his armies he demonstrates the boldness and faith to step out of his comfort zone and attempt reconciliation. David not only wins battles, he wins relationships!

David Leverages the Win-Win - Snapshot

Passage: 1 Samuel 18-32

In midst of threats of death, David remains:

  • Courageous when cheated
  • Not bitter when hated
  • Submissive to suffering

David not only won battles, he won relationships!

Win Lose (1 Sam 18:6-8) – Saul’s Attitude

When David returns victorious from battle, the women dance in joy.

1 Sam 18:8 The women’s song upset Saul, and he became very angry. He thought, “The women say David has killed tens of thousands, but they say I have killed only thousands. The only thing left for him to have is the kingdom!”

Courageous when Cheated

In I Samuel 18:21-30 we see that:

  • Saul tried to trap David to death. David doubled the challenge and won Michal, Saul’s daughter as his wife.
  • However, in v.30, David takes up the challenge.  “…David met with more success than the rest of Saul’s officers, and his name became well known”

David’s Win-Win Attitude - Discussion

  • What portions in 1 Samuel 22:1-3, 23 indicate David’s inner strength?
  • In Psalm 27, what are the secrets of David’s strength?

Amy Carmichael’s Prayer

From prayer that asks that I should be

Sheltered from winds that beat on thee

From   when I should aspire

From fainting when I should climb higher

From silken self O captain free

Thy soldier who would follow Thee.

Give me the love that leads the way

The faith that nothing can dismay

The hope no disappointments tire

The passion that will burn like fire

Let me not sink to be a clod

Make me Thy fuel, flame of God.

Submissive to Suffering

Refer 1 Samuel 20:41,42. Jonathan warns David of his father’s intent to kill him.

  • David does not complain of his fate. He weeps and bids Jonathan goodbye. He accepts the fact that he is now a hunted man.
  • What is the secret of David’s acceptance?

Not Bitter when Hated

When faced with a death encounter David speaks with courage and respect to Saul.

  • Saul makes three more attempts to David’s life. Yet we see no bitterness –just questions.
  • God’s strong hand of protection is on David.

David respectfully calls Saul "father"

David win’s Saul over to the extent he touches Saul deeply. 1 Samuel 24: 10 This day you have seen with your own eyes how the Lord delivered you into my hands in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you; I said, ‘I will not lay my hand on my lord, because he is the Lord’s anointed.’ 11 See, my father, look at this piece of your robe in my hand! I cut off the corner of your robe but did not kill you. See that there is nothing in my hand to indicate that I am guilty of wrongdoing or rebellion. I have not wronged you, but you are hunting me down to take my life.

Saul’s response: 1 Samuel 24:16 When David finished saying this, Saul asked, “Is that your voice, David my son?” And he wept aloud. 17 “You are more righteous than I,” he said. “You have treated me well, but I have treated you badly.

David’s Win-Win - Activity

The victim becomes a victor with an army behind, an army in front – and not a drop of blood or word of hatred.

  • Enact this scenario with two players – David and Saul with one person reading or summarizing the passage in 1 Samuel 24.

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