We pray that God will rescue us

in His time and in His way of separation.

When King Saul pursued David and his men

as they went deeper into the wilderness of Maon,

south of the desert (1 Samuel 23:24), he followed them to that place.

Despite David's urgent attempts to evade Saul,

when Saul and his army were closing in on him,

news arrived that the Philistines were once again invading Israel.

Hearing this, Saul reluctantly abandoned his pursuit of David

and went to fight against the Philistine forces.

“So, from that day on, the place was called the 'Rock of Separation'"

("Sela-hammahlekoth": meaning "Rock of Division") (v. 28).

When I reflect on this passage,

I believe that God allowed Saul's relentless pursuit of David

and permitted the Philistines to invade Israel,

thereby dividing Saul's heart, ultimately leading to his downfall.

So, ultimately, I believe that God made Saul

give up his pursuit of David involuntarily.

How amazing is the working of God in this?

Just at the moment when Saul was tightening the net to capture David and his army,

God caused Saul to hear the news of the Philistines invading Israel once again.

It couldn't have been anything but God's perfect timing.

I pray that God will rescue us in His time and in His way,

according to His divine plan.