2 Samuel 2 talks about the rise of David to the Israel's throne.  After Saul's death the Bible says that David grew stronger and Saul's house grew weaker.  What caused one to rise and the other to fall.  Saul at one time was the anointed King over Israel. No one else had ever been in his position but he lost it because he was only willing to partially obey the Lord.  In turn Samuel described his partial obedience as rebellion and equivalent to the sin of witchcraft.  This demonstrates how someone in a position of power and authority can convince himself into doing whatever he wants to do regardless of what God has commanded and rationalize it to the point of failing to see it for what it is, rebellion against God.   Eventually the word of God declared through Samuel that because Saul had rejected the word of the Lord, in turn God had rejected him as King. Saul's house grew weaker when it failed in it's readiness to take heed to the word of God.   Growing in strength requires  a person to stay committed to God and to walk in obedience to Him.  Then you will grow stronger and be more effective and fruitful for the Lord. David was far from perfect, but he was willing to take to heart the word of the Lord and when he failed he did not make excuses he sought after God for forgiveness. Lord help me to find my strength in you. Give me a willing heart to do your will everyday!