When God Blocks You For Your Own Good Series

WHEN GOD BLOCKS YOU FOR YOUR OWN GOOD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Samuel 29

Supporting Texts: Romans 8:28, Proverbs 16:9, Psalm 37:23-24, Isaiah 30:21, Revelation 3:7

INTRODUCTION:

Sometimes, the greatest blessings from God are not the doors He opens but the ones He shuts. In 1 Samuel 29, David finds himself in a precarious situation. Having aligned himself with the Philistines for protection from Saul, he is now expected to fight alongside them against Israel. The dilemma is clear: if he fights, he risks killing his own people. If he refuses, he risks being exposed and expelled by his Philistine hosts.

But in God's mercy, He intervenes—not with a voice or a vision, but through opposition. The Philistine commanders reject David’s presence in the battle. What looks like rejection is actually protection. God sovereignly blocks David from a battle that was not his to fight. He didn’t need David on the battlefield—He needed him preserved for the throne.

This chapter teaches us that divine interruptions are often hidden interventions. God sometimes allows disappointment, delays, or rejection to protect us from destruction. When He blocks your path, it's not always punishment—it may be preservation for a greater assignment.

1. COMPROMISE MAY LEAD YOU TO PLACES GOD NEVER INTENDED

David’s alliance with the Philistines was based on fear, not faith, and it nearly entangled him in the wrong battle.

a) David Had Sought Refuge With King Achish of Gath (1 Samuel 27:1-2)

His decision was driven by fear of Saul, not divine direction. Fear-based choices often lead to entanglement.

b) He Had Been Living Among the Philistines for Over a Year (1 Samuel 27:7)

The longer you stay in compromise, the more you feel comfortable outside of your calling.

c) David Became One of Achish’s Trusted Men (1 Samuel 28:1-2)

He was now expected to fight against his own people. Compromise always carries a hidden cost.

d) He Followed Achish to Aphek to Join the Battle Against Israel (1 Samuel 29:2)

He was walking into a spiritual trap—a battle God never called him to fight.

Biblical Example: Peter followed Jesus "from afar" after His arrest, which eventually led to his denial (Luke 22:54-62).

2. GOD USES UNLIKELY SOURCES TO STOP US FROM WRONG DECISIONS

God can speak through resistance—even when it comes from unbelievers.

a) The Philistine Princes Questioned David’s Loyalty (1 Samuel 29:3)

They did not trust him, even when Achish did. God used their suspicion to deliver David.

b) They Recalled His Reputation as Israel’s Warrior (1 Samuel 29:5)

Sometimes, the world remembers your identity better than you do.

c) They Insisted He Be Sent Away From the Battlefront (1 Samuel 29:4)

Their rejection was God’s redirection. He used their fear to reposition David.

d) Achish, Though Fond of David, Yielded to Their Demand (1 Samuel 29:6-7)

God closed the door with favour intact. Rejection without dishonour is divine mercy.

Biblical Example: Balaam’s donkey resisted the wrong journey when Balaam could not see the angel of the Lord (Numbers 22:21-34).

3. WHEN GOD BLOCKS YOU, HE IS PROTECTING YOUR PURPOSE

David’s destiny was kingship over Israel. Fighting against Israel would have stained his future throne.

a) David Was on the Verge of Fighting Against His Own People (1 Samuel 29:8)

Even he seemed unsure of how he would have handled the battle.

b) God Blocked Him From Shedding the Blood of His Future Subjects

A single misstep could have delayed or disqualified his reign. Divine intervention preserved his legacy.

c) David Was Sent Back to Ziklag, Unaware of the Crisis Ahead (1 Samuel 29:11)

God was moving him into position—not for war, but for restoration.

d) Sometimes God’s ‘No’ Is an Answer to Prayers We Didn't Know We Were Praying

God will never allow you to succeed at what will destroy your destiny.

Biblical Example: Joseph was delayed in prison because the timing of his release needed to align with Pharaoh’s dream (Genesis 40:23-41:1).

4. DIVINE INTERRUPTION OFTEN POSITIONS YOU FOR GREATER RESTORATION

David was blocked from battle because God had something greater awaiting him at Ziklag.

a) While David Was Rejected by the Philistines, Ziklag Was Under Attack (1 Samuel 30:1)

The rejection aligned him perfectly with the timing to recover all.

b) Had David Gone to Battle, He Would Have Missed the Attack on His Family

God sees what you don’t. He repositions before you realise the danger.

c) The Delay Turned Into a Divine Setup for Total Recovery

Every divine block is attached to a hidden blessing.

d) Ziklag’s pain was waiting—but so was Ziklag’s victory. He needed to be there.

If God had not blocked David, he would have lost more than he ever imagined.

Biblical Example: Jesus delayed going to Lazarus so that the miracle would be greater and God's glory more evident (John 11:5-6, 40).