I love reading about a guy named David in the bible. He had seven older brothers, and for the most part his family left him out with the sheep and forgot about him. (1 Samuel 16:1-13)
But that didn’t seem to deter young David, for instead of wasting his time thinking of himself as a nobody and insignificant, he used his time constructively. He spent time getting to know God, increased his skills on his instrument as he worshipped Him, and grew accomplished with his slingshot as he fought off attacks from both the lion and the bear.
When God then brought the opportunity to step into his destiny David was positioned and ready. He knew God was with Him and that with His help he could bring down the giant Goliath. He knew because he had practiced and become skilled at protecting his sheep against predators when no one else was looking. When opportunity came he was not only prepared, he was ready to run, which is exactly what He did. Armed with a trust in God, and a defiant confidence that only comes from knowing God is with you, David ran into battle, and with one swing of his slingshot knocked out Goliath and then cut his head off with the giant’s own sword.
“But David said to Saul, …”Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine….”
David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied….”As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground.” (1 Samuel 17 NIV)
David knew who God is and He knew who He was in God, but he knew these things not because everyone constantly told him, included him or even thought highly of him. No, David knew because in the quiet background he had chosen to cultivate a great attitude, formed a close relationship with God and developed his skills so that at the opportune time He did not hesitantly walk into his big moment, he ran!
It was God who had trained David’s hands for battle, and it is God who sometimes even allows us to go through hard times, facing our own lions and bears, so that we too will be trained, grow confident, strong and learn to operate in our God given authority, helping us to become all that we were created to be and to do.
“Praise the LORD, who is my rock. He trains my hands for war and gives my fingers skill for battle.He is my loving ally and my fortress, my tower of safety, my rescuer. He is my shield, and I take refuge in him. He makes the nations submit to me.”(Psalm 144:1-2)
Today don’t think that just because nobody notices you, or you haven’t had a breakthrough yet that it isn’t going to ever happen. Be diligent, keep doing what you know to do. Spend time with God, mediate on His words; get to know Him and to know who He says you are. Make the most of the skills and talents you have been given, regardless of how insignificant you may think they are. (I doubt David whilst practicing with his slingshot in the middle of nowhere ever imagined he would one day be famous for killing the giant leader of an enemy army.)
Wherever you are and no matter what you find yourself facing, know that God has a plan and a destiny for your life. If you listen He will guide you to make the most of the time and season you are in. And when opportunities present themselves for you step forward, don’t hesitate when God says, “Go,” don’t walk – choose to run just like David did, with all your might, knowing that God is with you; He directs your steps and in Him you win.
Prayer: Lord please help me to make the most of every day and opportunity that comes my way knowing that each small step prepares me for the next opportunity and your purposes for my life. Help me to be focused, to know who and what is important, and to not get distracted today. In Jesus name Amen.
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