Yesterday, we looked at the life of King David and how He was called by God despite being the underdog of his family. For the next couple of days, we’re going to continue to learn from his life and talk specifically about the subject of his anointing. According to the dictionary, to anoint means to “choose by divine election or to designate.” When Samuel first visited Jesse’s home, he anointed David as King, but that was far from being a promise of immediate coronation and deliverance. In fact, as soon as he was called by God, David’s life got a lot harder!

Not only was the newly-designated king rejected by his family from his youth, but his calling stirred up intense hatred and jealousy on the part of his predecessor, King Saul. After killing the giant Goliath, David was a frequent companion of the king, serving in his court and earning the honor of a great general who won many battles on his behalf. However, because of his skill as a warrior, the young soldier became famous throughout the land and stole the glory of the jealous king. Despite his undying loyalty to Saul, the king made David his bitter and hated enemy and pursued him relentlessly, to the point where he was forced to flee into the wilderness!

Friend, when God calls you out and sets you apart to do something great for His Kingdom, don’t be shocked if it brings out the worst in people and circumstances. In spite of the fact that David was a brilliant strategist, a hard worker, and extremely loyal, he was persecuted and slandered. At the moment he was marked by the Lord to become king, he was hotly pursued and his life got more difficult than it had even been! You see, the call of God is weighty and the more profound it is, the greater the opposition you will face. Don’t be discouraged when things look dark, because it only means you are moving in the right direction! Continue to follow Jesus, even if he leads you into the wilderness. He wants to meet you there and use your season of trial and testing to make you more like Him. No matter how it looks, He is preparing you to do the amazing things He has called you to — just don’t lose heart!