WHEN GOD ORDERS YOUR STEPS
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 2 Samuel 2:1-32
Supporting Texts: Psalm 37:23, Proverbs 3:5-6, Isaiah 30:21, Romans 8:14, Genesis 12:1-4
INTRODUCTION:
After the death of Saul, a major shift occurred in Israel. David had every reason to seize the throne by force—he had been anointed, Saul was dead, and the nation was in disarray. Yet, David did not move presumptuously. He sought the face of the Lord before taking his next step. His attitude reveals that elevation in the kingdom of God is not based on opportunity alone, but on divine instruction.
One of the key signs of spiritual maturity is learning to follow divine leading, especially during seasons of transition. Many fail at the edge of promotion because they do not wait on God to direct their steps. David teaches us that when God is truly our Shepherd, we move only when He says so and where He sends us.
This chapter also reveals that even when we are in the centre of God's will, opposition may still arise. Obedience does not eliminate warfare—it aligns us with victory. When our steps are ordered by the Lord, no enemy can stop what God has started.
1. DIVINE DIRECTION IS ESSENTIAL FOR EVERY NEXT STEP
David’s success began with a simple but powerful question: “Shall I go up?”
a) David inquired of the Lord before making any move (2 Samuel 2:1)
Even with his prophetic destiny clear, he refused to assume anything.
b) Seeking God's face is not weakness—it is wisdom
Those who wait on God will never walk in confusion.
c) Divine instruction provides both the what and the where of our assignments
God told David to go up and specifically to Hebron.
d) When we seek the Lord first, we avoid costly mistakes
Many are stranded today because they moved ahead of divine timing.
Biblical Example: Abraham obeyed God’s instruction to leave his country and was led step-by-step into promise (Genesis 12:1-4).
2. YOUR LOCATION IS LINKED TO YOUR LIFTING
God’s direction took David to Hebron—a place of covenant and significance.
a) Hebron means “alliance” or “fellowship”—a place of divine alignment
David’s rule began in a place connected to covenantal promise.
b) The right place is just as important as the right time
Not all open doors are from God; divine location matters.
c) Hebron was where David was accepted and crowned king over Judah (2 Samuel 2:4)
His elevation came after obedience, not ambition.
d) Where God plants you, He will also prosper and protect you
Destiny unfolds in the place of divine planting.
Biblical Example: Elijah was sustained at the brook Cherith because God sent him there (1 Kings 17:2-6).
3. BEING IN GOD’S WILL DOES NOT CANCEL BATTLES
David was obeying God, yet war broke out.
a) Though anointed, David still faced resistance from the house of Saul (2 Samuel 2:8-9)
Abner set up Ish-bosheth as a rival king, leading to conflict.
b) Divine direction does not eliminate warfare—it empowers victory
Obedience is your defence in the day of battle.
c) Expect opposition even when you are right where God placed you
Your greatest battles often occur after your greatest breakthroughs.
d) The presence of warfare is not proof of error but a test of endurance
God uses opposition to confirm, refine, and solidify His work in us.
Biblical Example: Paul received a Macedonian call, but was met with persecution (Acts 16:9-24).
4. SOMETIMES, DELAYED FULLNESS IS DIVINE STRATEGY
David did not immediately become king over all Israel.
a) He ruled only Judah for 7½ years before the full kingdom came (2 Samuel 2:11)
God sometimes releases partial fulfilment to test our patience.
b) The delay was not denial—it was divine preparation
Every delay in God’s will is filled with purpose.
c) Trust God with both the process and the promise
He knows when you are ready and when others are ready for you.
d) Faithfulness in partial fulfilment opens the door to full inheritance
David did not force the kingdom—he grew into it.
Biblical Example: Joseph ruled in Egypt after years of service, obscurity, and delay (Genesis 41:39-44).
5. HOW YOU HANDLE CONFLICT REVEALS THE QUALITY OF YOUR CALLING
David did not engage in personal retaliation during the conflict.
a) The war between the house of Saul and the house of David was initiated by others (2 Samuel 2:12-17)
David remained focused and did not get entangled in unnecessary strife.
b) Let others fight for you—when God has called you, He will defend you
Do not allow battles to pull you out of your assignment.
c) Even in conflict, seek peace when possible
David later lamented over the unnecessary bloodshed and division.
d) A true leader leads with restraint, wisdom, and a higher perspective
He does not fight for position—he lets God enthrone him.
Biblical Example: Jesus remained silent before Pilate and did not defend Himself, though innocent (Matthew 27:12-14).
CONCLUSION:
The story of David in 2 Samuel 2 shows that divine direction is the bedrock of spiritual success. Though anointed, David waited until God ordered his next steps. His obedience led him to Hebron, where he began his reign. Even in the will of God, opposition came, but David remained steadfast, refusing to act in the flesh.
When God orders your steps, He also provides strength for the battles and wisdom for the journey. Let us learn to depend on His voice, wait for His leading, and walk only in His paths. Divine steps always lead to divine success.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, teach me to seek Your will before every major decision in my life.
2. Father, lead me to the place You have appointed for my next season.
3. Help me to trust Your timing, even when I don’t see the full picture.
4. Lord, preserve me from premature promotion and misaligned location.
5. Father, give me grace to remain faithful and focused, even in the face of resistance.
