One of the hardest things for me to do is wait. It feels as if I'm not doing anything productive! Our family's done a lot of "waiting" this year - I imagine you have, too! In my work as a health-care Chaplain, I spend many hours waiting with families. Sometimes waiting is the hardest part of their whole experience - at least that's what they tell me! In our study of King David's life, we learn he did a lot of waiting, too. Here's the chronology of his life, as best as we can put it together. David was about 15 when he was anointed to be the next King. He killed Goliath not long after that. He spent about 7 years in the Palace, being Saul's musician. During this time he marries Saul's daughter Michael, and Saul tries on numerous occasions to kill him. This phase comes to an end in I Sam. 19:10 when David escapes from Saul. He's 22 or so when he begins his life living in caves and the wilderness. This period of David "on the run" from Saul lasts for about 8 years, until Saul dies in I Sam. 31. II Sam. 5:3 tells us that David was 30 when he began to reign over Judah - but it was another 7 1/2 years until he began to reign over all Judah and Israel. Are you following this? The period from David being anointed by Samuel to be the next King, until he becomes King over Judah is 15 years - and other 7 1/2 years until the prophecy is totally fulfilled. He reigned over Judah 40 years, and over all Israel and Judah for 33 years. AND HE HAD TO WAIT OVER 15 YEARS TO BEGIN, AND 22 ½ YEARS TO SEE THE FULL FULFILMENT!!! There are temptations that are unique to "the waiting room." Please read I Sam. 24 in preparation for our study this Sunday, and pick up on this key principle from David's life: WHILE YOU'RE WAITING for the promise to be fulfilled, stay true to your principles! I look forward to seeing you Sunday at 11 a.m. at Open Door Community Church!

THE ORIGINAL "DEAR ABBY" - I Samuel 25 - is our study for Mothers' Day. You are welcome to meet with us at 11:00 a.m. at Open Door Community Church.