In Parallel

2 Samuel 1:1 KJV

Now it came to pass after the death of Saul, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, and David had abode two days in Ziklag;

I have always been amazed when pondering that, as I go about my life, somewhere else someone else is going about theirs. That events happen in parallel with mine fascinates me. So I think it is interesting that so often we view

• David's battle with the Amalekites
• His rescue of his loved ones and
• The settling of the dispute about those who stayed with the stuff

as one event followed by the battle when Saul was killed. In actuality they each happened in parallel. The one was happening while the other was happening. David was doing what he must to rescue and protect his own while God was settling the issue with Saul.

In first Samuel 26:10 David had testified his faith that God would deal with Saul in his own way.

• He would get Ill or
• Something else would happen or
• He would die in battle

When the day happened, it would have been the furthest thing from David's mind. As his thoughts and heart was completely engaged in another matter God engaged Himself in dispatching Saul. Thus David need never grieve that, the day Saul died, he was wishing for it.

Life does not revolve only around our immediate experiences. God is capable of and is running multiple courses at any moment and all of those courses blend together for eternal good in the sovereign plan of God. My place is to occupy myself in serving the Lord and those He has placed in my life. He will care for all the rest.