When God Orders Your Steps Series

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.