Unexpected Tragedy / Tragedia Inesperada

Joseph Ocasio

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UNEXPECTED TRAGEDY / Tragedia inesperada

Introduction:

A poem called…

What a Difference a Day Makes

On Monday we emailed jokes On Tuesday we did not

On Monday we thought that we were secure On Tuesday we learned better

On Monday we were talking about heroes as being athletes On Tuesday we relearned who our heroes are

On Monday we were irritated that our rebate checks had not arrived On Tuesday we gave money away to people we had never met

On Monday there were people fighting against praying in schools On Tuesday you would have been hard pressed to find a school where someone was not praying

On Monday people argued with their kids about picking up their room On Tuesday the same people could not get home fast enough to hug their kids

On Monday people were upset that they had to wait 6 minutes in a fast food drive through line On Tuesday people didn't care about waiting up to 6 hours to give blood for the dying

On Monday we waved our flags signifying our cultural diversity On Tuesday we waved only the American flag

On Monday there were people trying to separate each other by race, sex, color and creed On Tuesday they were all holding hands

On Monday politicians argued about budget surpluses On Tuesday grief stricken they sang 'God Bless America'

On Monday the President was going to Florida to read to children On Tuesday he returned to Washington to protect our children

On Monday we had families On Tuesday we had orphans

On Monday people went to work as usual On Tuesday they died

UNEXPECTED TRAGEDY / Tragedia inesperada

Today, I want to talk about David…and how he responded to an unexpected tragedy that would test his faith in the Lord…

TEXT: “When David and his men came to Ziklag, they found it destroyed by fire and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. 4 So David and his men wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep. 5 David's two wives had been captured—Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel. 6 David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.”

“When David and his men came to Ziklag, they found it destroyed by fire and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. 4 So David and his men wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep. 5 David's two wives had been captured—Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel. 6 David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.”

At this time David was actually hiding from King Saul who was trying to kill him. The town of Ziklag was located in the Philistine territory and was given to him as a gift by Achish the son of Maoch, king of Gath in . He was in this territory and in Ziklag for 16 months trying to avoid King Saul. Although God had anointed David as King, David knew not to go against God’s anointed, God would have to determine the time and the method of David’s decent as King of Israel.

But this particular story is important because it bridges him from being a run away rebel to becoming the King of Israel.

Sometimes, it’s through unexpected tragedies that the Lord will place you in your destiny.

When tragedy strikes what is the first thing that goes through your mind?

You relive in your mind, what brought you to this event? Let’s quickly review David’s road to this tragedy.

He was Anointed as King: “So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with bright eyes, and good-looking. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him; for this is the one”. 1 Samuel 16:1212 Envió, pues, por él, y le hizo entrar; y era rubio, hermoso de ojos, y de buen parecer. Entonces Jehová dijo: Levántate y úngelo, porque éste es.

Once God anoints you…persecution is around the corner.

ii. Once God anoints you…preparation for your destiny begins.

Once God anoints you…preparation for your destiny begins.

David kills Goliath: “ So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him.” 50 Así venció David al filisteo con honda y piedra; e hirió al filisteo y lo mató, sin tener David espada en su mano.

Once God challenges you…you faith will expose you to the world.

ii. Once God challenges you…your enemies will begin to attack.

Once God challenges you…your enemies will begin to attack.

David is persecuted: “Saul was very angry; this refrain galled him. "They have credited David with tens of thousands," he thought, "but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?" 9 And from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David.” 8 Y se enojó Saúl en gran manera, y le desagradó este dicho, y dijo: A David dieron diez miles, y a mí miles; no le falta más que el reino. 9 Y desde aquel día Saúl no miró con buenos ojos a David.

Once God exposes you…your light will out shine the darkness.

ii. Once God exposes you…you will become a target for the enemy.

Once God exposes you…you will become a target for the enemy.

David escapes into the wilderness: “David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and his father's household heard about it, they went down to him there. 2 All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him.” 22 Yéndose luego David de allí, huyó a la cueva de Adulam; y cuando sus hermanos y toda la casa de su padre lo supieron, vinieron allí a él. 2 Y se juntaron con él todos los afligidos, y todo el que estaba endeudado, y todos los que se hallaban en amargura de espíritu, y fue hecho jefe de ellos; y tuvo consigo como cuatrocientos hombres.

Once God tests you…you will be strengthened.

Once God tests you…you will attract the lost.

The thought of why did this tragedy happen in the first place or what did David do to deserve this tragedy might have entered his mind? The Amalekites were the sworn enemies of Israel.

The thought of why did this tragedy happen in the first place or what did David do to deserve this tragedy might have entered his mind?

The thought of why did this tragedy happen in the first place or what did David do to deserve this tragedy might have entered his mind? The Amalekites were the sworn enemies of Israel.

The Amalekites were the sworn enemies of Israel.

i. In – Joshua lead the men of Israel in battle While Moses is standing on the hill with hands up and Aaron and Hur are holding his arms up.

In – Joshua lead the men of Israel in battle While Moses is standing on the hill with hands up and Aaron and Hur are holding his arms up.

ii. In Moses was reminding the people of what Amalek had done when they left Egypt and that they would wipe them out once they had settled in the new land.

In Moses was reminding the people of what Amalek had done when they left Egypt and that they would wipe them out once they had settled in the new land.

iii. In – The Lord sent King Saul to destroy the Amalekites once and for all and King Saul disobeyed the commands and it cost him his kingdom – 15:26. And then the next chapter is when the Lord Anoints David.

In – The Lord sent King Saul to destroy the Amalekites once and for all and King Saul disobeyed the commands and it cost him his kingdom – 15:26. And then the next chapter is when the Lord Anoints David.

Unresolved business will come back to haunt you…if you have any unforgiveness…make it right. If you are not taking care of yourself physically…make it right. If there is any unrepented sin or if you are doing anything contrary to what the Lord expects…make it right. Your enemies will never leave you whether on the outside or on the inside unless you remove it completely.Tragedies happen because they just happen…we don’t know or understand the reason…these are the times that we must look to God for comfort.

Tragedies happen because they just happen…we don’t know or understand the reason…these are the times that we must look to God for comfort.

Let’s take a look at how David responded in the midst of this Unexpected Tragedy. Their city was completely destroyed, all their wealth was stolen, and all their women and children were kidnapped…they assumed their death because of what they had done to other towns when they raided them.

Let’s lay down a foundation as I read this verse of scripture:

“Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”

Isaías 46:4 “Aun en la vejez, cuando ya peinen canas, yo seré el mismo, yo los sostendré. Yo los hice, y cuidaré de ustedes; los sostendré y los libraré.”

In this verse of scripture the Lord is reminding us that as long as we live on this earth He still is God, say’s, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever”. Hebreos 13:8 8 Jesucristo es el mismo ayer, y hoy, y por los siglos.

Amen.

David knew that at the end of the day… The Lord is the one that will HELP YOU, SHOW YOU, GUIDE YOU AND RAISE YOU UP in times of distress and unexpected tragedies.

1. The Lord is the one that will HELP YOU OUT.

a. David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.”

David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.”

He remembered how the Lord brought him through many trials and difficult situations in the past.

b. He remembered how the Lord brought him through many trials and difficult situations in the past.

When we are going through a tragedy remember all the past victories in your life. “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corintios 15:57 57 Mas gracias sean dadas a Dios, que nos da la victoria por medio de nuestro Señor Jesucristo.

i. When we are going through a tragedy remember all the past victories in your life.

1. “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corintios 15:57 57 Mas gracias sean dadas a Dios, que nos da la victoria por medio de nuestro Señor Jesucristo.

When we are going through a tragedy remember all the promises of His word. 7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me. Salmos 138:7 7 Cuando ando en medio de la angustia, tú me vivificas; contra la ira de mis enemigos extiendes tu mano y me salva tu diestra.

ii. When we are going through a tragedy remember all the promises of His word.

1. 7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me. Salmos 138:7 7 Cuando ando en medio de la angustia, tú me vivificas; contra la ira de mis enemigos extiendes tu mano y me salva tu diestra.

When we are going through a tragedy remember that He promises to be with us always. Hebrews13:5b"…Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebreos 13:5 “…«No te desampararé ni te dejaré.»”

iii. When we are going through a tragedy remember that He promises to be with us always.

1. Hebrews13:5b"…Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebreos 13:5 “…«No te desampararé ni te dejaré.»”

The Lord will help you and then…

The Lord is the one that will SHOW YOU HOW.

2. The Lord is the one that will SHOW YOU HOW.

a. “Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, "Bring me the ephod." Abiathar brought it to him, 8 and David inquired of the LORD, "Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them?" "Pursue them," he answered. "You will certainly overtake them and succeed in the rescue." 9 David and the six hundred men with him came to the Besor Ravine, where some stayed behind, 10 for two hundred men were too exhausted to cross the ravine. But David and four hundred men continued the pursuit.”

“Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, "Bring me the ephod." Abiathar brought it to him, 8 and David inquired of the LORD, "Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them?" "Pursue them," he answered. "You will certainly overtake them and succeed in the rescue." 9 David and the six hundred men with him came to the Besor Ravine, where some stayed behind, 10 for two hundred men were too exhausted to cross the ravine. But David and four hundred men continued the pursuit.”

b. David sought the Priest - It’s important not to make decisions without the counsel of a Pastor or a trusted advisor because our emotions are controlling us.

David sought the Priest - It’s important not to make decisions without the counsel of a Pastor or a trusted advisor because our emotions are controlling us.

i. It’s important not to make decisions without the counsel of a Pastor or a trusted advisor because our emotions are controlling us.

Proverb 18:1 A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment. Proverbios 18:1 18 El egoísta busca su propio bien; contra todo sano juicio se rebela.

1. Proverb 18:1 A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment. Proverbios 18:1 18 El egoísta busca su propio bien; contra todo sano juicio se rebela.

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel is wise.” Proverbios 12:15 15 Opina el necio que su camino es derecho, pero el sabio obedece el consejo.

2. “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel is wise.” Proverbios 12:15 15 Opina el necio que su camino es derecho, pero el sabio obedece el consejo.

“Listen to counsel and receive instruction, That you may be wise in your latter days.” Proverbios 19:20 20 Escucha el consejo y acepta la corrección: así serás sabio en tu vejez.

3. “Listen to counsel and receive instruction, That you may be wise in your latter days.” Proverbios 19:20 20 Escucha el consejo y acepta la corrección: así serás sabio en tu vejez.

“Plans are established by counsel; By wise counsel wage war.” Proverbios 20:18 18 Los pensamientos se ordenan con el consejo, y con dirección sabia se hace la guerra.

4. “Plans are established by counsel; By wise counsel wage war.” Proverbios 20:18 18 Los pensamientos se ordenan con el consejo, y con dirección sabia se hace la guerra.

David then sought the Lord

c. David then sought the Lord

In spite of what David wanted to do…he still sought the Lord for direction and confirmation.

i. In spite of what David wanted to do…he still sought the Lord for direction and confirmation.

‘Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;” Filipenses 4:6 6 No se inquieten por nada; más bien, en toda ocasión, con oración y ruego, presenten sus peticiones a Dios y denle gracias.

1. ‘Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;” Filipenses 4:6 6 No se inquieten por nada; más bien, en toda ocasión, con oración y ruego, presenten sus peticiones a Dios y denle gracias.

Seeking the Lord will clear your mind so that your anger or fear will not cloud sound judgment.

ii. Seeking the Lord will clear your mind so that your anger or fear will not cloud sound judgment.

“And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.” Salmos 9:10 10 En ti confían los que conocen tu nombre, porque tú, Señor, jamás abandonas a los que te buscan.

1. “And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.” Salmos 9:10 10 En ti confían los que conocen tu nombre, porque tú, Señor, jamás abandonas a los que te buscan.

The Lord will help you, he will Show you and now…

3. The Lord is the one that will GUIDE YOU THROUGH.

a. Verse 11- 14 “They found an Egyptian in a field and brought him to David. They gave him water to drink and food to eat- 12 part of a cake of pressed figs and two cakes of raisins. He ate and was revived, for he had not eaten any food or drunk any water for three days and three nights. 13 David asked him, "To whom do you belong, and where do you come from?" He said, "I am an Egyptian, the slave of an Amalekite. My master abandoned me when I became ill three days ago. 14 We raided the Negev of the Kerethites and the territory belonging to Judah and the Negev of Caleb. And we burned Ziklag." 15 David asked him, "Can you lead me down to this raiding party?"

Verse 11- 14 “They found an Egyptian in a field and brought him to David. They gave him water to drink and food to eat- 12 part of a cake of pressed figs and two cakes of raisins. He ate and was revived, for he had not eaten any food or drunk any water for three days and three nights. 13 David asked him, "To whom do you belong, and where do you come from?" He said, "I am an Egyptian, the slave of an Amalekite. My master abandoned me when I became ill three days ago. 14 We raided the Negev of the Kerethites and the territory belonging to Judah and the Negev of Caleb. And we burned Ziklag." 15 David asked him, "Can you lead me down to this raiding party?"

b. David did not know which direction to walk toward, but the Lord led him to the Egyptian

David did not know which direction to walk toward, but the Lord led him to the Egyptian

c. 11 The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Isaías 58:11 11 El Señor te guiará siempre; te saciará en tierras resecas, y fortalecerá tus huesos. Serás como jardín bien regado, como manantial cuyas aguas no se agotan.

11 The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Isaías 58:11 11 El Señor te guiará siempre; te saciará en tierras resecas, y fortalecerá tus huesos. Serás como jardín bien regado, como manantial cuyas aguas no se agotan.

The Lord will help you out, He will Show you how, He will Guide you through and now…

4. The Lord is the one that will RAISE YOU UP.

Verse 16-18 “He led David down, and there they were, scattered over the countryside, eating, drinking and reveling because of the great amount of plunder they had taken from the land of the Philistines and from Judah. 17 David fought them from dusk until the evening of the next day, and none of them got away, except four hundred young men who rode off on camels and fled. 18 David recovered everything the Amalekites had taken, including his two wives. 19 Nothing was missing: young or old, boy or girl, plunder or anything else they had taken. David brought everything back.”

a. Verse 16-18 “He led David down, and there they were, scattered over the countryside, eating, drinking and reveling because of the great amount of plunder they had taken from the land of the Philistines and from Judah. 17 David fought them from dusk until the evening of the next day, and none of them got away, except four hundred young men who rode off on camels and fled. 18 David recovered everything the Amalekites had taken, including his two wives. 19 Nothing was missing: young or old, boy or girl, plunder or anything else they had taken. David brought everything back.”

The Lord gave David and his 400 men the strength to march and go right into a battle and completely defeat the enemy.

b. The Lord gave David and his 400 men the strength to march and go right into a battle and completely defeat the enemy.

c. Despite our circumstance the Lord will raise us up and give us the strength to get the victory in any situation…he gives us that extra push we need to keep going…

Despite our circumstance the Lord will raise us up and give us the strength to get the victory in any situation…he gives us that extra push we need to keep going…

i. “The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.” Salmos 29:11 11 Jehová dará poder a su pueblo; Jehová bendecirá a su pueblo con paz.

“The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.” Salmos 29:11 11 Jehová dará poder a su pueblo; Jehová bendecirá a su pueblo con paz.

ii. “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” Isaías 40:29 29 Él da esfuerzo al cansado y multiplica las fuerzas al que no tiene ningunas.

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” Isaías 40:29 29 Él da esfuerzo al cansado y multiplica las fuerzas al que no tiene ningunas.

iii. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Filipenses 4:13 13 Todo lo puedo en Cristo que me fortalece. Puedo soportar todas las cosas a través de Cristo que me fortalece.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Filipenses 4:13 13 Todo lo puedo en Cristo que me fortalece. Puedo soportar todas las cosas a través de Cristo que me fortalece.

CONCLUSION:

This poem was written by Mary Stevenson in 1936 at age of 14.

Footprints in the Sand

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.

Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.

In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.

Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there was one set of footprints. This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints, so I said to the Lord, “You promised me Lord, that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there has only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, you have not been there for me?”

The Lord replied, “The times when you have seen only one set of footprints in the sand, is when I carried you.”

Says: “Commit your way to the LORD; Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.”

Salmos 37:5 “Encomienda a Jehová tu camino, confía en él y él hará.”

And Remember: You will experience unexpected tragedies in life…some not so tragic and some that are very tragic…but just as David responded so should we respond in those circumstances and always remember…

The Lord is the one that will: HELP YOU

SHOW YOU

GUIDE YOU

And RAISE YOU UP

Through unexpected Tragedies, Let Us Pray.

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