4. Do your best right where you are

Last week we saw how God looks totally different than us. He looks at the heart, a willingness to serve Him and to follow Him wholeheartedly!

Samuel anointed David in front of his brothers and the Word clearly states that:

"…the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward." 1 Samuel 16:13

And the very next verse the opposite was displayed:

"But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul and a distressing spirit from the Lord troubled him." 1 Samuel 16:14

God came upon David and left Saul. Fortunately this cannot happen to us today, as His Holy Spirit has come mightily to this earth and into our hearts to stay. But here in the Old Testament, God placed His Spirit upon His leaders, and in His eyes David was the leader now.

This happened instantaneously as David was anointed. Then Saul's servants (I believe by the hand of the Lord) suggested that Saul get someone to play harp for him in order to calm him down and have the distressing spirit depart. And of course they suggested that he gets David to play the harp for him. David came and the Bible tells us that Saul loved him greatly and that when David played the harp:

"And so it was, whenever the spirit from God was upon Saul, that David would take a harp and play it with his hand. Then Saul would become refreshed and well, and the distressing spirit would depart from him." 1 Samuel 16:23

God used David to help Saul, even though Saul didn't truly have a heart for God. And how wonderful that God brought David right into the throne room of the King. And from there he could learn all the ways of a king. He could learn how the household works, how the army functioned, how the king conducts himself, how to run a kingdom. He could learn all of that whilst he was still too young to be king himself. God opened the way for him.

Today also God prepares us for what lies ahead. Sometimes we wonder how on earth is what I am doing now going to help me later? But when we walk on the pathway God ordained for us, everything will work out for our good. All the experience that we obtain will help us later in our lives. It will assist us to be better than what we would have been if we had rushed into things.

I can't help but wonder what went on inside of David's head. He was anointed to be king and yet he didn't know when or how that was going to happen. And suddenly he is summoned to play harp for the king. I really wonder what he must have thought. But what I can gather from the Word, his actions were exemplary. Even though he was not yet king as he was anointed to be, he did his work, playing the harp, to the best of his ability. He didn't question God, but performed the task at hand to his utmost best.

We can learn from that. We don't know the future and what lies ahead, but we can do the best we can right there where we are now, trusting that God knows best. We must trust His timing. He will lead and guide us to where we need to be. And then we can use the experience we obtained whilst in the 'waiting room'. Do your best where you are, do not be grumpy, complaining to God. Rather accept your circumstances, with your hope focused on God, doing your best and listening to Him for guidance. Then you cannot go wrong and your experience gained will stand you in good stead in the end.

Father we love Your plan for our lives. We want to hear Your voice loud and clear as to the way forward. Please lead us with Your divine guidance. We know that You know best. Thank you for the opportunity to gain experience, we will do our best. Amen

2 comments for “4. Do your best right where you are”

  1. Gravatar of RonelRonel
    Posted Tuesday, 17 September 2019 at 10:31:06 AM

    Mal oor hierdie stuk liewe Ilze! En ek beaam elke woord.

  2. Gravatar of RonelleRonelle
    Posted Wednesday, 18 September 2019 at 9:19:05 AM

    I know this story so well, but I have never thought about it in this way! Thank you Lord that You work through Ilze to teach us more about You, we love YOU so much!!

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