In 1st Samuel 23:16 we read, “Then Jonathan, Saul’s son, arose and went to David in the woods and strengthened his hand in God.” I love the fact that verse 16 starts with the word “then,” as it tells us that Jonathan’s seeking David out to strengthen his hand in God directly corresponded with him seeing his father daily come out to kill David.
The greatest friendships and encouragement in our lives often go hand in hand with our refinement. God never allows a Saul that He doesn’t send a Jonathan, dear Christian, to “strengthen our hand in God.” Look throughout scripture, and you will see Barnabas, whose name means “son of encouragement,” seeking a forgotten Paul just at the right time.