I was thinking the other day why has this season been so full of isolation and just plain uncomfortable. I look around and my circle of people looks different and the Lord brought the story of David in the cave to my heart.

He went there to escape from Saul. {1 Samuel 22} The cave provided a strategic advantage of safety. He was there alone first then his family came, then others who were going through issues too, came. Before long he was surrounded with the people the Lord sent. People with problems. Not people who had it all together. The Bible says they were in debt, distressed, and bitter. Everyone was in the same boat. I’m sure the 9 months he was there felt like an eternity.

I often wondered why he would send me people in pain when I’m in pain. People who can’t help me out of my trouble nor me help them out of theirs. I know now it’s to comfort each other and grow with each other. A common ache of the heart connects them because in the end that time of cave dwelling is preparation for what is to come. There is a purpose in this.

What we are learning is more than just survival. It’s war tactics. It’s compassion. It’s empathy. It’s the mourning a soul needs in time of troubles without eyes of judgement but eyes of compassion and comfort.

Take a look around you. God is building us up to battle together. It’s no coincidence who has been sent to you, to me. It’s no coincidence where he has sent you and I either. We have been hand picked to fight WITH each other for a greater purpose. Those men would be the ones who would stand by David’s side to fight against the enemies of their day. Tried and trusted. Victors of many battles! So will you and I be, victors of many battles!!

Be encouraged, friends. This is a temporary, but necessary season.

Victory is assured by the One who fights for us, Jesus!!