Our natural tendency and temptation is to find a place where we are comfortable and feel safe and secure and stay there. When David was on the run from King Saul because Saul wanted to kill David, David found a cave for himself, his family and for all others who wanted to join him in his place of refuge. Over 400 people joined David in the cave of Adullam and it was because they believed in David’s leadership and they needed a place of refuge. Even though David had found a place that was safe for himself and others, God sent a prophet to give David specific directions.
SCRIPTURES
“Now the prophet Gad said to David, “Do not stay in the stronghold; depart, and go to the land of Judah.” So David departed and went into the forest of Hereth.“ I Samuel 22:5
God knew the temptation David faced and God also knew the relentless pursuit of the enemy, so the message to David was, “Don’t stay in the cave.” That temptation is with everyone today who has come to Christ as Savior and come to the gathering of the Lord’s church. We must overcome the temptation of staying in the comfort of our churches. Yes, we should find our churches as a place of refuge and safety, but there’s no way to fulfill God’s calling on our lives by staying in our comfort zones. Unless you keep moving in faith, I can promise you the enemy will find you and stop you from making it to your destination. David’s destination was not the cave, but it was sitting on the throne of Israel. Are you still moving in faith? Have you settled in a place of safety and spiritual comfort? Are you getting out and trusting God and engaging those who are searching for a place of refuge? Think about it, the life of a disciple of Christ is characterized by “going in and going out.” We go in to be with other believers and are encouraged by God’s word, and then we go out into the world to share the good news and to lead others to the cave.
