1 Samuel 19:1
“And Saul spake to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should kill David.”
One of the rude awakenings I had when I went into full-time service was when I discovered that everyone would not be happy with God’s blessing on my life. I should have known better because I grew up in a preacher’s home, but for some reason I just thought that people would be happy that the LORD was working through me. It didn't take long before I found out that when God uses you that you will endure criticism and battles along the way.
David found this unpleasantry out very quickly. David was a man after God’s own heart, but even though the hand of God was upon him, there were many who didn't want anything to do with him. He faced battles his entire life, but that was only a result of the jealousy of others who wanted what he had. When I study David’s life, I find that there were many different types of adversaries with which he had to endure.
The first adversary was Saul. You would think that his own boss would be thrilled when he was used to defeat Goliath, but he wasn’t. In fact, the verse above shows us that Saul wanted to kill David. When you experience victories in the Christian life, other Christians will not be as happy as you are about the LORD’s blessings upon your life. Some of the harshest criticisms you will face in serving the LORD will come from those who should be congratulating you on the LORD’s blessings, but don't let their jealousy and criticism stop you.
The Philistines were another adversary David faced. When God starts using you, you will find that the enemies of Christianity will fight against you. When I talk about enemies of Christianity, I am talking about those who want nothing to do with the old paths. They have another way of serving their god, and you must not expect them to idly sit by as God blesses you. There are many people out there who would rather attack you for standing for right than praise the LORD for His blessings, but you must continue on.
Another type of person who wasn't happy with God’s blessings on David’s life were those who thought they should have his position. One of those who was very jealous of David’s position was Shimei. Shimei thought the throne belonged to Saul’s children and not David. Everyone won’t be happy with God’s blessings on your life because they will feel they are more qualified than you to have your position. Don't let their criticisms and attacks affect your spirit or deter you from doing what you are supposed to do.
The last type of adversarial person whom David faced was his own son, Absalom. This will be the hardest to take. When your own family or close friends turn on you, you must continue doing what is right. The battles from those closest to you will be the hardest because these are people with whom you have served the LORD side-by-side, and for whatever reason they have turned on you. Don't quit when this happens.
I don't want to discourage you, but you must realize God’s blessings will bring adversaries. The good thing is that you will find many who will be thrilled to serve alongside you. Let me encourage you to keep doing what you are supposed to do even when the attack of the adversaries is vicious. God’s blessings will always overshadow the attacks if you keep doing right.