DAVID’S STORY
As we read through the Old Testament, we find that one of the most consequential persons in the history of the nation of Israel was David. His life summary is aptly described in Psalms 78:70-72.
He chose David his servant and took him from the sheep pens; from tending the sheep he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel his inheritance. And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.
God’s choice: The sovereignty of God towers above all else in the Biblical narrative. It is God who has a unique plan for each one of us. It is He who chooses people to live out their lives and accomplish things and all of it is precious in God’s sight.
Humble beginnings: David’s origin could not have been humbler. Despite being the least in his family and being assigned to the sheep pens and not an obvious leader, God raised him to be the king of Israel. Those who have God on their side need to have no limitations. Faith in the One who can do all things, makes the impossible come to pass.
Right Preparation: Through the many years that David spent tending sheep, he developed the right attitude and skills to be one day king. The role changed but the skills that he developed were put to good use when he ruled over the nation of Israel. God might ask us to change our profession or put us in a different position and we would look back find that it was all orchestrated perfectly by God.
Integrity of heart: At his very core, David had integrity. He was faithful to God and honored God above all things. With so many distractions pulling us in several directions, it requires effort to remain faithful to God and others in our lives.
Skillful hands: As important as integrity is, also required is skill appropriate for the tasks at hand. God prepares us for what lays ahead. It is for us to make use of the opportunities that come by our way, not complain when we go through adversity and gain the skills that God would be pleased to use one day to fulfill our mission here on earth.
