Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule:
1 Samuel 21-25
Many Christians regard Charles Haddon Spurgeon to be the “Prince of Preachers.” He often preached to crowds of more than 5,000, and his sermons sold nearly 20,000 copies a week and were translated into 20 different languages. His collected sermons are still in print in more than 60 volumes. Even after more than a century, the legacy of Spurgeon’s ministry still has a profound effect on pastors and Christians around the world.
But most people are not aware that Spurgeon’s prolific ministry was accomplished under demanding circumstances and times of adversity. After giving birth to their twin sons, Spurgeon’s wife Susannah became a virtual invalid and seldom heard her husband preach. Spurgeon himself suffered from gout, rheumatism, Blight’s disease, and depression. Under these demanding circumstances, preaching often became a painful experience. These diseases eventually took his life at the age of 57.
In addition to his physical suffering, Spurgeon endured undeserved public ridicule and slander. Newspapers called him vulgar and colloquial. He was regarded as rude and rough; his ministry was dismissed as temporary. He was publicly lied about in order to discredit his character, but the attacks by his fellow ministers were probably the most painful. Those on the left belittled him; those on the right doubted his salvation.
Still, throughout the pain and the adversity Spurgeon continued to preach. He remained faithful to his call, and his character was strengthened through the experience. His unwavering trust in God prevented him from caving in to the adversities he faced. Spurgeon believed God designed the afflictions of his life to help develop his character, to prepare him for the ministry that lay just ahead. In the end, the “Prince of Preachers” trusted that the ultimate victory over adversity and setbacks belonged to the sovereign Christ, the Prince of Peace.
In chapters 21-26 of 1 Samuel, David, alone and on the run, watched his privileged life in the court of Saul fall apart. The king who had first promoted him and made him a son-in-law now sought to kill him. God’s hand was still upon David, but he must learn how to seek after the Lord’s own heart in the bad times as well as the good. Each step in adversity and setbacks taught David godly character. The same God who directed Samuel to anoint David as king over Israel was with him as he fled from Saul’s wrath. David’s faithful response stands in stark contrast with Saul’s evil designs. David’s own experiences teach the believer that trusting God during difficult times not only builds character but also glorifies God.
Prayer Requests:
Personal
- Lord, please help me to trust you in the midst of adversity, knowing you are growing my character to look more like yours.
- Lord, please help me to look up rather than look around when those around me seek to do me harm.
- Lord, please help me to get better and never bitter in the midst of difficulty.
Political
- Senator Peter MacGregor – District 028 – Cannon Twp.
- Representative Matt Maddock – District 044 – Milford.
- Representative Mari Manoogian – District 040