david

When King Saul was looking for a champion to defeat Goliath, he promised his daughter in marriage to the Israelite victor. Saul made good on his promise by offering his oldest daughter to David (1 Sam. 18:17-18). But Israelite’s newest hero does not feel like he is worthy of the honour associated with becoming the king’s son-in-law. David, who had already achieved great success as a young man, apparently chose the path of humility in this situation.

Leadership success often breeds pride. Humbly keeping our successes in perspective is a key aspect of servant leadership. In my view, when we experience personal success, God has either given us the success directly and/or given us the ability to achieve the success. In either case, God deserves the credit. As G.K. Chesterton said, “Humility is the mother of giants.” When it comes to experiencing success, humility allows us to keep God big in the midst of the success He gives us.

It’s a classic story of the little guy taking on the big guy and winning (1 Sam 17). Obviously, David was skilled with his sling, having already killed a lion and a bear during the course of his shepherding duties. The giant, Goliath, was a seasoned warrior. Yet, when the rock struck a knock-out blow on Goliath’s forehead, it was not just the little guy taking out the big guy. Even before he had taken a stone out of his bag, David boldly acknowledged that it would be the Lord who would give him victory over Goliath (1 Sam 17:45-47).

Many times, I feel pretty small as I face significant life and ministry challenges. The Goliath-sized challenges are much bigger than me. Yet, my all-powerful God is with me. The worship song, “Our God,” by Chris Tomlin captures this reality:

Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome and power
Our God, Our God...
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome and power
Our God, Our God...
And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
What can stand against?

Ready to face the next challenge with this awesome God at your side?

Samuel had anointed David as the next king of Israel (1 Sam. 16:13). The Spirit of the Lord had come upon David in power. Yet, it was not yet God’s time for David to replace Saul as king. David went back to tending his father’s sheep (1 Sam.16:14-23). In the meantime, Saul wanted someone to play the harp in his presence as a way of finding relief from an evil spirit who tormented him. One of Saul’s servants became an advocate for David and recommended him for the harp-playing role. As David entered Saul’s court, he took one more step toward becoming the next king of Israel. Now, he had to wait for God’s timing to take the next step.

I can get impatient as I wait for God to show me the next step. David’s “wait and go” experience helps me to remember that God’s ways and His timing are right; I would do well to wait for Him.