Waiting on Your Moment

I can't remember the last time I didn't feel like I was meant for more. A lot of that is probably due to my own actions, such as chasing the follies of earth rather than fighting for souls in eternity, but I also believe that God has something in store for me that I haven't stepped into yet because it's not the right time.

In 1 Samuel 15, King Saul dropped the ball and ended up keeping some choice cattle and a king alive after a battle where he was asked by the Lord to kill every living thing. God was angry with him and decided to choose a new king to take his place, so He sent Samuel to the family of Jesse in Bethlehem to choose one of his sons to be the future king. It's kind of a funny story, because Jesse sends 7 of his sons in front of Samuel, and the Lord says no to every single one. Samuel has to ask Jesse if he has any more sons, at which point he decides he better tell them about David, the youngest son who is out in the wilderness caring for the sheep.

Once Jesse was able to fetch David, God directs Samuel to anoint him, so Samuel anointed him with oil in front of his brothers, then left. He left. He came and gave David this awesome anointing, then just moved on and left David right there.

If I had just been anointed as the future king of Israel, I would expect to be in that role very soon. I would expect Samuel to tell me to pack my bags and follow him, but instead he leaves and David just goes back to hanging out with the sheep. That would be a little confusing. Samuel was a very well known prophet during that time, so Jesse and his family are probably very aware that he's on a mission from the Lord. I think they would have some sort of expectation for some immediate actions after the blessings poured out on David.

David most likely knows something is coming for him and is waiting in anticipation, but he doesn't know when it's going to happen. He might be expecting Samuel to come back and get him, but with every day that goes by probably doubts a little bit that his season is ever going to change.

This is my favorite part. Samuel doesn't have to make the introduction. He doesn't need to be the one to take David to the palace. Saul ends up with an evil spirit and when searching for a skilled musician to play relaxing music for him, one of his servants ends up recommending David. It wasn't Samuel, the person who knew David was supposed to be in a kingdom position, but God used someone else - someone new to the story.

David was never in a position where he would have ended up in the king's presence without God directing his steps. A shepherd belongs out in the hills with his sheep, living in solitude, constantly watching out for the safety of his animals. He wouldn't ever need to go to the city and meet the king or even be in a place where he might somehow run into the king by chance. There was no reason for the relationship to ever happen.

All of the time when I'm hopeful for something or anticipating God to move somewhere in my life, I consider what actions may need to take place for me to get there, but then immediately start to doubt when I can't connect the dots from where I am to where I expect/hope to go. The open doors that I see in front of me don't lead to the well that I'm hoping to reach. It's hard to remember that God can so easily bring something/someone new into my story.

Three things happened for David.

1. Saul was overcome with an evil spirit and needed someone to play him comforting music.
2. David had most likely been living in a lifestyle of nightly jam sessions, raising the roof for his sheep, practicing for this moment he didn't know was going to come.
3. One of Saul's servants had randomly heard David play and recommended him for the position.

The moments that God is going to use in our lives may not be extremely colorful or highlighted with trumpets and fireworks, but every moment counts for something and can be used for something. God has the ability to bring something new into our story and immediately change our circumstances.

I'm practicing my pastoral gifts, so here's another list of 3. Three things that I think we can do to create opportunities for a change in our stories.

1. Matthew 22:37 - "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind." 
2. Mark 12:31 - "Love your neighbor as yourself."
3. Colossians 3:23 - "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord"

Every moment. Every person. Every gift we're given. They are all opportunities for us or others - chase after them.