Bathsheba was the wife of Uriah, a faithful soldier in king David’s army. I am sure she never expected what the future held in store while she took a bath that one evening. She was a beautiful woman who unknowingly caught the eye of king David. She was called to the palace and made to sleep with the king, which led to her pregnancy. David tried to cover his sin by calling her husband, Uriah, home from war to be with his wife. However, being the devoted soldier he was, Uriah refused to go home and be with his wife while his fellow soldiers were out at war. When David saw that his plan had failed, he sent Uriah to the frontlines to be killed!

Bathsheba mourned her husband’s death, not knowing all that had taken place. After her time of mourning, David took her as his wife, and she gave him a son. Although David had tried to conceal his sin, God knows all and sees all. Luke 12:2 tells us, “There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed or hidden that will not be made known.” So, God confronted David with his sin, and allowed Bathsheba’s son to die of illness as a consequence. I can’t even imagine the devastation Bathsheba must have been feeling at this point. It may have seemed her life was ruined… But God. He is an expert when it comes to messy situations and opened a new path forward. Bathsheba later became the mother of king Solomon, a wise and great man. In addition, she is also mentioned in Jesus’ genealogy in Matthew 1:6.

The beginning of our story does not have to be the end. Messy situations, whether caused by us or someone around us, may cause pain and suffering, but God, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, restores and gives hope. If you find yourself in a difficult place right now, keep trusting God. He can use the ugliest messes to produce something beautiful. God can use us while we are willing and available.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, there have been painful circumstances in my life, which have sometimes been caused by others. However, you are not stopped by circumstances such as these. You specialize in opening new paths when we feel we have reached a dead end. Thank you for loving me too much to leave me stuck in messy situations. I choose to be used by you and look forward to what you have in store for me. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

1. 1 John 1:9.

Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B.