Righteous people have several advantages over unrighteous people. One such advantage is being ordered by the Lord. Psalm 37:23 states, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way.” (Psalms 37:23 NKJV). Many years ago, a commentator on this verse said that it is not only the steps of the righteous that are ordered by the Lord, He equally orders their stops. In order words, God will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the righteous does not take a step that would leave him ditched. Sometimes, what we think is a disappointment is God’s way of stopping us from self-destructing.

In his wilderness days, David lived in the land of the Philistines. When war broke out between the Philistines and Israel, David mobilized his men to fight as mercenaries alongside his hosts. The lords of the Philistines would have none of that; so they sent him home. On the surface, the lords of the Philistines engineered his return, but in reality it was God who ordered his stop. Many things that God will do for you will be through human beings. Some of them might come as roadblocks and disappointments. It is only in retrospect that we appreciate the work of God.

Three days after David and his men were dismissed from the war front, they discovered that they had lost their families and wealth to some marauders. Timely intervention led to recovery. Imagine if they had gone with the Philistines and the campaign had lasted 3-6 months! There would have been no way to recover. Those who have committed their all to God are not anxious when they run into roadblocks. They relax knowing that God is working everything together for good.