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You will succeed.

What God has chosen for you, whether it’s keeping your child focused, building an empire or something in between, you will succeed. 

Jesus said, “With God, all things are possible,” (Matthew 19:26).

But don’t expect darkness to stand by and watch. Evil will step in your way.

Years ago, a mother and her son were in grave danger. You will recognize the names — Bathsheba, the wife of King David, and their son Solomon. David was apparently so old that he didn’t realize his wife and son would soon be murdered.

Scripture says, “Now King David was old, advanced in age; and they covered him with garments, but he could not keep warm. So his servants said to him, ‘Have them search for a young virgin …  and have her attend the king and become his nurse; and have her lie on your chest, so that my lord the king may keep warm,’”  (I Kings 1:1-2, NASB).

The girl was found but David was never intimate with her. 

Thus, the book of First Kings opens, describing a feeble king. Scripture then immediately tells us that Adonijah, David’s eldest living son, took advantage of the situation. 

“Now Adonijah …  exalted himself, saying, ‘I will be king.’ So he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen, with fifty men to run before him. And …  he invited all his brothers …  and all the men of Judah, the king’s servants (to dine with him). But he did not invite Nathan the prophet …  or his brother Solomon,” (I Kings 1:5-10, NASB).

That’s why Bathsheba and Solomon were in harm’s way. If Adonijah became king, the two would be killed as “offenders” to the throne.

Nathan the prophet knew this. 

“Then Nathan spoke to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, saying, ‘Have you not heard that Adonijah …  has become king, and David our lord does not know it? So now come, please let me give you advice, and save your life and the life of your son Solomon. Go at once to King David … ’” (I Kings 1:11-12, NASB)

There’s a great deal of discussion about Solomon’s age at this time, whether he was a 12-year-old boy or a man as old as 30. No one knows for certain, but this passage suggests that Solomon was a boy, since Nathan approached Bathsheba with his plan and not Solomon.

Nathan told her exactly what to do.

“So Bathsheba entered to the king …  (and) she said to him, ‘My lord, you yourself swore to your servant by the Lord your God, saying, “Your son Solomon certainly shall be king after me, and he shall sit on my throne.” But now, behold, Adonijah is king; and now, my lord the king, you do not know it,’” (I Kings 1:17-18, NASB).  

Nathan then arrived to confirm the crisis. 

“And behold, while she was still speaking with the king, Nathan the prophet came in … Then Nathan said, ‘My lord the king, have you yourself said, “Adonijah shall be king after me, and he shall sit on my throne”? For he has gone down today and has invited all the king’s sons, the commanders of the army, and …  they are eating and drinking …  and they say, “Long live King Adonijah,”’” (I Kings 1:21-25, NASB).

King David, although frail, knew what to do. 

“The king said to Zadok the priest …  ‘Have my son Solomon ride on my own mule …  And anoint him …  as king over Israel, and blow the trumpet and say, “Long live King Solomon,”’” (I Kings 1:32-34, NASB).

Scripture says, “And all the people went up after him, and the people were playing on flutes and rejoicing with great joy, so that the earth shook at their noise. Now Adonijah and all the guests who were with him heard this as they finished eating,” (I Kings 1:40-41, NASB).

Adonijah’s guests knew they had a decision to make when they realized Solomon had become king. Scripture says, “Then all the guests of Adonijah trembled and got up, and each went on his way. Adonijah also was afraid of Solomon … ” (I Kings 1:49-50, NASB).

Darkness came after Solomon to prevent him from ascending to the throne. And the Lord intervened.

If you’re doing something for God, evil will try to stop you, too.

But God knows. 

Just as Nathan helped Solomon and his mother, God will provide someone to help you. Pray for this. You were not meant to struggle alone against darkness.

No matter what evil throws at you, stand strong and believe help is on the way. You will succeed.

Jesus said, “With God, all things are possible.” 

The Rev. Mathews (BA, MDiv, JD) is a faith columnist and the author of the Reaching to God series and Emerald Coast: The Vendetta. Contact her at Hello@RAMathews.com. 

Copyright © 2024 R.A. Mathews.  All rights reserved.