ON THE RUN BUT NOT ABANDONED

ON THE RUN BUT NOT ABANDONED – GOD IN THE WILDERNESS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Samuel 21-22

Supporting Texts: Psalm 34:17-19, Hebrews 13:5, Isaiah 43:2, 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, Deuteronomy 31:6

INTRODUCTION:
There are seasons when God’s chosen vessels find themselves in flight—not because of guilt or sin, but because the path to purpose passes through the wilderness. In 1 Samuel 21–22, David, once celebrated and anointed, becomes a fugitive—hunted by Saul, misunderstood by men, and hiding in caves. Yet even in this dark season, God was with him.

The wilderness is not a sign of abandonment—it is often the training ground for kings. In the cave of Adullam and among the distressed, discontented, and indebted, David found purpose beyond the palace. He was learning leadership, dependence on God, and the value of broken men turned into mighty warriors.

In these chapters, we discover that God's presence is not limited to thrones or temples. He walks with His chosen in the wilderness. He strengthens them when resources are scarce and when betrayals are bitter. When you’re on the run from men, you’re not out of God’s plan. He refines, reassures, and reveals Himself in the wild.

1. GOD PROVIDES FOR HIS OWN EVEN IN SEASONS OF DISTRESS
When David fled from Saul, his physical needs were real—but God made supernatural provision through unexpected means.

a) David Fled to Nob and Requested Help From Ahimelech (1 Samuel 21:1–3)
He was hungry and weaponless, yet he turned to the house of God. In crisis, the altar remains our first refuge.

b) God Gave David the Showbread Reserved for Priests (1 Samuel 21:4–6)
This was an act of divine provision. When the rules would normally exclude you, grace opens access.

c) David Was Given Goliath’s Sword (1 Samuel 21:8–9)
The same weapon used by his enemy now became his defence. God uses past victories to equip us for present battles.

d) God's Provision May Not Be Lavish, But It Is Sufficient
David didn't receive an army—he received bread and a sword. Just enough for the next step.

Biblical Example: In the wilderness, Elijah was fed by ravens—provision came in unexpected forms (1 Kings 17:4–6).

2. GOD’S PRESENCE IS WITH YOU EVEN IN UNFAMILIAR PLACES
David’s journey led him to Gath—enemy territory. Even there, God covered him with divine wisdom and protection.

a) David Went to King Achish of Gath (1 Samuel 21:10–11)
He was desperate, but the Philistines recognised him as Israel’s champion. The past caught up with him.

b) He Feigned Madness to Escape Their Suspicion (1 Samuel 21:12–15)
David acted like a madman to avoid capture. Sometimes, survival requires humility and creativity.

c) God Allowed Him to Escape Without Being Harmed
Though surrounded by enemies, David walked out alive. The Lord shields His own, even in enemy camps.

d) The Wilderness is Not a Sign of Rejection, But a Stage for Protection
God sometimes hides you in plain sight to preserve your destiny.

Biblical Example: Jesus escaped to Egypt as a child to avoid Herod’s wrath—sometimes God shelters His promise in strange places (Matthew 2:13–15).

3. GOD TRANSFORMS CAVES INTO TRAINING GROUNDS
David’s cave at Adullam became more than a hiding place—it became a womb for leadership and restoration.

a) David Escaped to the Cave of Adullam (1 Samuel 22:1)
Isolated and alone, but not forsaken. God often births greatness in hidden places.

b) His Family and the Distressed Joined Him There
These were not warriors—they were broken men. But David would turn them into mighty men of valour.

c) God Sends People to Us in Broken Form So We Can Shape Them
Leadership is forged in how we steward weakness. David was learning to raise and lead others in hard times.

d) Caves May Look Like Endings, But God Uses Them as Beginnings
Adullam was the seedbed of David’s future kingdom. What seemed like a low point was actually a launching point.

Biblical Example: Gideon was in hiding when God called him “mighty man of valour”—God sees destiny even in caves (Judges 6:11–12).

4. GOD STILL SPEAKS THROUGH PROPHETS IN DIFFICULT SEASONS
Even in the wilderness, David was not cut off from divine instruction. God sends voices to guide you through the dark.

a) The Prophet Gad Instructed David to Leave the Cave (1 Samuel 22:5)
He was not meant to remain in hiding indefinitely. Prophetic direction leads us to our next step.

b) God Guides Even in Transition and Uncertainty
David didn’t know where to go—but God’s word became a lamp to his path.

c) Divine Direction is More Valuable Than Human Security
Though the cave felt safe, obedience to God’s word brought greater protection.

d) The Voice of the Prophet Restored Purpose and Movement
When confusion lingers, God often sends clarity through anointed vessels.

Biblical Example: Paul, confused and blinded after his encounter with Christ, was sent Ananias to restore vision and direction (Acts 9:10–17).

5. GOD AVENGES THE BLOOD OF THE INNOCENT
Saul’s descent into wickedness climaxed with the massacre of priests, but God was not silent.

a) Doeg the Edomite Informed Saul About David’s Visit (1 Samuel 22:9–10)
Doeg represented betrayal—he twisted the truth for favour.

b) Saul Ordered the Death of Ahimelech and 85 Priests (1 Samuel 22:16–18)
This was a grievous sin. In his obsession, Saul slaughtered innocent servants of God.

c) Only Abiathar Escaped and Fled to David (1 Samuel 22:20–21)
From that day, the priesthood aligned with David. Even in tragedy, God was forming new alliances.

d) David Took Responsibility and Offered Protection (1 Samuel 22:22–23)
True leaders cover the wounded and preserve the remnant.

Biblical Example: Abel’s blood cried out to God after Cain’s murder. God always responds to innocent bloodshed (Genesis 4:10).

CONCLUSION:
These chapters are a reminder that the wilderness is not the end—it is often where God does His most powerful work in and through His servants. David’s journey through Nob, Gath, and Adullam was filled with hardship, but it was also marked by provision, protection, and preparation. God was shaping the shepherd boy into a warrior king—not in the palace, but in the shadows.

You may feel like you’re on the run—emotionally, spiritually, or circumstantially—but you are not abandoned. God is still speaking. He’s still providing. He’s still aligning people to stand with you. The cave is not your grave. It is your classroom. Stay faithful, stay focused, and you will see God’s hand even in the wilderness.