When Life Overlooks You
One of the great stories in the Bible is about the life of David. Long before David defeated Goliath, long before he became the king of Israel, he spent his days out in the field looking after his father's sheep.
His life wasn't the easiest. He had been overlooked by his father, criticized by his brothers, and regarded by many as just a shepherd boy. One time, the prophet Samuel was sent by God to David's house. He was supposed to choose who would become the next king. Samuel asked to see all of the brothers in the house, but David's father was so certain that David wasn't a candidate for such a prominent position that he left him out working in the field! It wasn't until Samuel passed by all of the other seven brothers that David was finally called in and then anointed to be the future king of Israel.
But even after that, David's family didn't seem to treat him any differently. They may have even thought Samuel had made a mistake. In fact, while David's brothers spent their time serving in King Saul's army, a prestigious position of honor, David was still doing the grunt work out in the shepherd's fields. He was seen as an errand runner tasked with bringing lunch to his brothers, "the important ones."
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One day while David was tending the flock, a hungry lion approached with every intention of dining on one of his sheep. Now we know from the Bible that David had a strong, abiding faith in God. He may have been young and inexperienced, and he may have been feeling fear when he saw the lion, but with God on his side, he overcame that lion. On another day, a hungry bear approached also intending to make a meal of David's sheep. Once again, David put his faith in God, killed the bear and protected his flock. By the time David faced Goliath, he had already tapped into the strength and boldness that God had placed within him. David approached Goliath with confidence, knowing that with God on his side, he would surely have the victory! And he did!
Today, you may feel like an "errand runner" or that life has overlooked you. You've done your best, but maybe you haven't seen the results you anticipated. Or maybe you've been through some disappointments and now you're tempted to think, Oh what's the use? I'll never get out of this situation. I'll never accomplish my dreams. But don't believe those lies! God hasn't overlooked you; in fact, He holds your future in the palm of His mighty hand!
Have confidence today because God has called you and chosen you. You are handpicked by Him, and He is ordering your steps. When you go through setbacks or when people leave you out, remember, God is working behind the scenes. He'll take what the enemy meant for harm in your life and turn it around for your good when all is said and done. Today, stay in faith, and keep moving forward one step at a time because you are chosen and equipped to overcome every obstacle in this life!
You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit… (John 15:16, NIV).
