An Agent of Encouragement

# 329 - Today's Du-votional comes from: 1Sa 23:14-18, “And David stayed in strongholds in the wilderness, and remained in the mountains in the Wilderness of Ziph. Saul sought him every day, but God did not deliver him into his hand. 15 So David saw that Saul had come out to seek his life. And David was in the Wilderness of Ziph in a forest. 16 Then Jonathan, Saul's son, arose and went to David in the woods and strengthened his hand in God. 17 And he said to him, "Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Even my father Saul knows that." 18 So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. And David stayed in the woods, and Jonathan went to his own house. ( 1 Sam 23:14-18) David flees to the cover of the forested mountains of Ziph and God kept him safe there. How is it that Saul couldn't find him, but Jonathan could? The answer is fairly simple, God wanted Jonathan to find Him. He put it on Jonathan's heart to seek David. All Jonathan had to do was take a step of faith into the woods, confident that God would make the connection and he did. This connection had purpose. God wanted to give David some encouragement through Jonathan, and he did. Jonathan reminded David of God's promises to him, concerning ascending to the throne, and yes, people who appear to be as strong as David need encouragement from time to time. And that encouragement comes from reminding them of the promises of God as found in Holy Scripture. Ps 119:28 says, “My soul melts from heaviness; Strengthen me according to Your word.” God's Word is a source of strength and who knows if God doesn't want to use you as an agent of strength as you bring a word to someone in need of encouragement today. Jonathan stepped out in faith with a word of encouragement for his friend David. Is there a brother or sister who needs encouragement from you today? Is there a promise of God's that they need to be reminded of? Step out in faith with Jonathan and bring it to them. Father, if there be anyone in need of consolation today, keep my eyes and ears open and give me the Word they need to hear.