Perhaps the hardest experience in life is when we think we have escaped from a very hard situation, only to fall into an even worse situation! This was what David faced after being delivered from having to go to war with the Philistines against Israel. He and his men marched home to Ziklag, astounded at their escape – at least until they saw Ziklag. They had escaped war only to see that their homes had been destroyed and their families carried off into slavery. Among all the low points of David’s life, this was perhaps the lowest. He had lost his family, and his men blamed him for their own loss. What did he do in such a situation? It is very helpful for us to see how he responded so that we can take instruction for our own lives. David strengthened himself in the Lord, looking to the Lord for guidance and His promises, and that made all the difference. That was where David found “Strength in the Midst of Struggle” (1 Samuel 30:1-31).

I. When Life is Overwhelming
A. Out of the Frying Pan and Into the Fire
B. The Last Straw After the Last Straw

II. Finding Strength in the Lord
A. In Our Relationship with God
B. In the Providence of God

III. Seeing the Blessing of God
A. In His Grace
B. In His Provision

Questions for consideration:  (1) When was the last time that you had difficult circumstances that got even worse? What was your initial reaction to that? How will this passage help you to deal with similar challenges in the future?  (2) What can rob us of the “personal” aspect of our relationship with the Lord? How can we cultivate that personal aspect?  (3) Why is it so important for you to see that everything you have comes from the Lord by His grace?