Topic: Past challlenging experience is training for future
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 16-18; Luke 11:29-54.
Memory Verse: “And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: [35] And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.” 1 Samuel 17:34-35 (KJV)
“Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.” Proverbs 22:29 (KJV). David was diligent in the assignment his father gave to him which was to tend the sheep. In the course of his diligence, he encountered great challenges as he had to face the lion and bear to prevent them from devouring his father’s sheep and he killed them. This experience emboldened him to face the future. In fact the experience prepared him ahead that he could face any challenge. He also learnt that with God he could do anything as he realized that God helped him to kill those animals that came to kill the sheep under his care. He was so committed to his father’s assignment such that when he was later engaged by the king to play harp for him, after a while, he asked for permission to go back to tender the sheep!
Generally in life, everyone faces one challenge or the other and often these challenges are necessary training ground for greater heights ahead. The question is what is your approach to the challenges confronting you? Do you see them as learning curves for greater heights or do you see them as unnecessary troubles ahead? David saw the challenges as preparatory ground and that’s why he answered King Saul when his ability to face Goliath was being doubted. In 1 Samuel 17:34-35 (KJV), “And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: [35] And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.”
David knew that his experience with the dangerous animals in the bush had helped him to horn his skills in dealing with adversaries and he also knew that in accordance with Philippians 4:13 (KJV), he could do all things through Christ who strengthens him. This should be your attitude when challenges come in the course of your daily living. Face them squarely in the name of your God knowing that God is using it to prepare you for higher assignments.
Note the testimony concerning David when King Saul was looking for someone to play harp for him, in 1 Samuel 16:18 (KJV), “Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him.” Can it be said that the Lord is with you? Are you in regular fellowship with God such that you remain in his presence continuously. This you can do by living a life of obedience to His word and making sure you fellowship with him regularly. But if you are still living in sin, you can’t be in his presence and so you need to confess your sins to God, repent and forsake them and accept Jesus in to your life as Lord and Saviour.
Prayer point:
Father, help me to face all challenges ahead of me in your power knowing that you have made me more than conquerors.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero