“When the men were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out from all the towns of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs and with timbrels and lyres. As they danced, they sang: ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.’ Saul was very angry; this refrain displeased him greatly.”
– 1 Samuel 18:6-8
Yesterday, we looked at King David’s life and how, despite being the outcast of his family, he was called by God. We will continue to learn from his life over the next few days, focusing primarily on the issue of his anointing. To anoint means to “choose by divine election or to designate,” according to the dictionary. Samuel crowned David as King when he first came to Jesse’s house, but that was far from a guarantee of speedy coronation and deliverance. David’s life became much more difficult as soon as he was called by God! Not only had the newly-designated king been rejected by his family since his youth, but his calling had also enraged his mentor, King Saul, who was filled with anger and jealously. David became a frequent friend of the king after killing the giant Goliath, sitting in his court, and gaining the title of a great general who fought many battles on behalf of his country. However, due to his ability as a warrior, the young soldier became well-known throughout the nation, stealing the king’s glory. Despite his lifelong love for Saul, the king turned against David and made him his bitter and despised enemy, pursuing him fiercely until he was forced to flee into the wilderness. Friend, don’t be surprised if God calls you out and sets you apart to do something wonderful for His Kingdom. Although David was a tactical genius, a tireless worker, and a fiercely loyal servant of the king, he was punished. He was aggressively pursued at the time he was marked by the Lord to become king, and his life became even more difficult! You see, God’s call is serious, and the more serious it is, the more opposition you will confront. Don’t get disheartened if things appear to be going wrong; it only shows you’re on the correct track! Even if Jesus leads you into the wilderness, keep following Him. He desires to meet you there and use your time of hardship and testing to mold you into a more like Him person. No matter how it looks, He is preparing you for the amazing things He has called you to do — just don’t lose heart! |
Prayer
Jesus, help me as I face the persecution and wilderness that accompany my calling. I will not lose heart if I keep my gaze set on you.
Reflection
What is God’s calling on your life? Has it made your life more difficult as a result?
If you’re unable to attend your local church or need some additional weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power every Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. PT on TBN or watch online at hourofpower.org/episode.
One Response
I grew up in an orthodox Jewish home and accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior when I was fourteen. It didn’t fair well with my family. They thought I would “ outgrow this phase.” I’m a retired ICU nurse now with four children who are all Christians. They are now raising their children, my grandchildren, as Christians. The journey from my childhood as a young Christian was extremely difficult. My family disowned me. I was disinherited. But looking back I see God’s hand in my life constantly- even when I faltered, and I did falter! Looking back I’m in awe at God’s Grace . Whatever was denied to me by my family God restored many times over and over again. And I forgave my family years ago. Actually I was called to care for them in later years. God has blessed me with a a deep ,enduring love for the Jewish people and for Israel. So as Bobby points out- stay on the path of your calling even when it’s very difficult. I learned God’s plan is bigger than my moment. Even when I couldn’t see God’s plan, I could trust His heart. I learned that firsthand and you can believe it.