Aug 284 min read

Persevere Through the Middle

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

Are you in the “middle of the story” season? Beginnings can be very exciting, as well as endings in a story, as promises are fulfilled. However, how many people open the middle of the book to catch a sneak peek into the plot? Everyone wants to be on the mountaintop where the views are incredible, but how many are willing to go through the climb to get there? How many are willing to walk through the monotonous valleys where their feet grow tired, and they sometimes must encourage themselves in the Lord to persevere to the mountain peaks and view the breathtaking scenery?

In Scripture, David experienced a “middle of the story season” where he had a very promising beginning and then went through challenges where he had to completely trust the Lord to fulfill His plans. On an ordinary day out in the sheep fields, David was unexpectedly summoned and anointed the future king of Israel! That must have been jaw dropping for his brothers to watch! Then, after this breakthrough, he killed Goliath with the power of God and a stone and quickly became a hero. The problem was jealousy from King Saul, and he pursued David to take his life. David went from two incredible breakthroughs to hiding in caves and trusting the Lord to protect his life, and believing that when the timing was right, he would be the next king of Israel.

Ever felt like you were in a “cave” season getting prepared for the next open-door God was calling you to walk through? David understands. He was in the “Cave of Adullam”. Some interpret the name of this cave as a “Dull Time that Makes You Go ‘Hum’?” Imagine sitting in the cave where David sat wondering how he got there…a dark, damp cave. Although this experience may not have made sense to the natural mind, God knows exactly what He is doing regarding your preparation as He knows His plans for you and the timing on when to accomplish them. In the cave, David was being trained.

The “middle of the story” seasons are the training grounds that can equip us for what lies ahead. God uses the testing, the pruning, the refining, the valley, to make the mountaintop experiences even more breathtaking. In fact, some of David’s most relatable and heartfelt psalms came out of his cave season.

“When my spirit faints within me, You know my way! In the path where I walk they have hidden a trap for me. Look to the right and see: there is no one who takes notice of me; no refuge remains to me; no one cares for my soul. I cry to You, LORD; I say, ‘You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living. Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low! Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me! Bring me out of prison, that I may give thanks to your name! The righteous will surround me, for you deal bountifully with me.” Psalm 142:3

Despite discouragement in the “middle season”, David continued to trust and praise the Lord. And, after he completed his preparation time and passed a character test where he had the opportunity to take King Saul’s life but spared it, God allowed King David to take the throne in His perfect timing.

Many times, God encourages us in Scripture by giving examples of men and women that He used mightily that had to persevere with His strength to reach the other side to a new chapter. Humility often precedes elevation. If you are feeling like you are in a “cave season”, and your life circumstances have been discouraging and not lining up with the promises you know that God has given you, be encouraged by looking at the life of David. God allowed him to walk through the middle to get to his ultimate destination. The key is to keep being faithful in the middle of your story. The best is truly yet to come. Maybe your story at the moment isn’t exactly what you envisioned, but remember, God’s ways are higher than ours. Between the beginning and end of a story involves steps of faith—putting one foot in front of the other, trusting God to light your path and fulfill His plans.

Hold on to hope and remember this Scripture as you are believing in the fulfillment of God’s promises over your life. Jeremiah 29:11-13 “‘For 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. Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.’”

Your Fellow Able Mom,

Liz

Dear Father, please help me remember during the “middle of the story seasons” when things are challenging and life may not make sense, that you are holding every detail together. You take my plans and make a beautiful tapestry out of all of the threads. I can trust you to weave everything together for my good and your Glory.”

Are you in the “middle of the story” season waiting for God to fulfill the promises that He has spoken over your life?

Connect with Liz:

Email: lizpitman3@gmail.com

Website: petethepuzzlepiece.com