Are You Able?

Some material taken from Underdogs to Overcomers - Sam Nobles
So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have? There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.” So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. 1 Samuel 16:11-13a

Most of the time when we feel like we are being called by God to a specific job, we don’t feel qualified.  But the truth is that if God calls us, He gives us all the ability we need to fulfill His purpose for us.  We don’t have the faith we need to step out in belief because we are looking to ourselves for the ability and not Him.  We will never measure up in our own power, but God fills our lives with experience, that brings wisdom and knowledge to equip us for His work. In the story of David’s life we see the story of a boy anointed king, who had to wait a long time before this destiny came about.  David probably got tired of waiting for that to happen and might have even given up hope.  But God has perfect timing. He knows what he is doing, and our job is to trust and obey. David was faithful while he was waiting. He stepped into every role God had for him with an obedient heart.

God had a few “opportunities” for David to experience on the way to the throne. The day that David delivered the cheese and bread for his father, God put David in the direct line to step into the role he was born for - the giant killing shepherd king. He didn’t become king that day, but it was another step in the process. Any person who has made themselves available for God’s use, will spend some time doing seemingly insignificant things and may never know exactly why God had them in that place. It did serve a purpose. The key is to have an obedient and submissive attitude and to do it well - whatever God has us doing.  God provides many great opportunities down the path of “little things.” Don’t miss out because you ignore what you assume to be insignificant. Faithfulness in the “small things” is how God determines promotion to the “big things.”

Are You Willing and Available?Being willing and available provided David with experiences that God had lined up in his life as part of His plan for David.  He was a shepherd of his father’s sheep, resulting in the opportunity to kill lions and bears, giving him confidence to go against Goliath. He spent many hours alone in the fields, playing music, meditating on God and getting lots of practice with his slingshot. After David was anointed to be the king, he worked for Saul as his armor bearer and he played music on his lyre when Saul was troubled. He went back and forth between working for Saul and going home to help his father with the sheep. All of these were seemingly everyday circumstances in his life that provided experience that put him closer to his destiny. God prepared him in the field. God prepared him on the front lines of battle. God prepared him in the palace. David was willing and available.  God provided the able.

When God anoints us, He anoints us - and prepares us - for His service, whatever He calls us to do. Sometimes it is to be the king, sometimes it is to simply deliver the cheese now so we can be the king later. Every detail and task in our lives is part of our God-ordained destiny. It is all important. It is all vital to our story and His plan. Being willing to do the little things is opening our hearts to allow Him to change us and do great things in our lives.

Therefore my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.  1 Corinthians 15:58