I am reminded of the story of David as I go through this season.
As a teenager, David knew full well that God’s destiny for Him was to become King. However, kingship didn’t come right after God revealed His will. Nor did it come right after “college” or “interning” as his father’s Shepherd Boy or King Saul’s Harp Boy. Also, before the prophecy was revealed to David, it was never mentioned that he had an extensive background of leadership except from leading his flock of sheep. Nor did he express an extreme desire to be ruler of the land. Not exactly the resume that would sweep off royal honchos, huh?
On the onset, it was clear that David had the gift of music. Just the invitation of performing for the King was more than enough affirmation of this gift. If David was like me and he was looking for a sign on what to pursue, this would totally push my button. And if David was a close chum of mine, I would logically presume that this guy was bound to be the next big rock star destined to change the face of music! However, God had already drawn out the plans – grander plans.
At the time of David’s anointing for Kingship, it was clear that He didn’t have the resume for the job. Unlike Goliath and Saul who were built for battle early on, David had nothing to be confident about but God. From this, God built him in leadership and skill for battle. Trust God to be the grandest teacher of all. No MBAs or PhDs from the School of Kingship were required. God knew exactly how to mold His young apprentice and it wasn’t the easy way. Definitely no short cuts. Still, God gave him success in all he did that all of Israel and Judah learned to love this self-proclaimed “poor” and “little known” man.
It took a whirlwind of an adventure filled with hardships and trial before David finally took the throne. And even as King, it was not always smooth sailing for David. The adultery? The murder? The rebellion? Enough said. Nevertheless, David’s destiny was fulfilled. “...David had served God’s purpose in his generation...” (Acts 13:36)
What about David’s gift of music? God certainly did not let that go to waste. David’s gift of music eventually led to the Psalms which has inspired and changed lives generation after generation of who knows what.
Achieving our God-willed destiny would probably prove to be no easy feat. Like David, the path could mean coming across the Goliath and Saul of this world. Through it all, God brought this man of humble beginnings in a place of honor to lead His people.
In Jeremiah 29:11, it says, “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”It gives me great comfort that whatever path I take, whether it’s my destiny or distraction. God will find a way to correct me and place me when and where I need to be.
I do not get to know God and then do His will. I get to know Him more deeply by doing His will. – Philip Yancey
