Not a Popularity Contest

I recently watched a sermon series by Pastor Stephen Furtick, called “Sticks and Stones”.  The five-part series was based on the story of David and Goliath.  As you can tell by the title and description of this blog, this series was the push for me to begin writing. 

I love this story of David. He is THE underdog of the Bible. He was the youngest of eight brothers, who overshadowed him in size, strength and popularity.  Although when Samuel was sent by God to anoint one of Jesse’s son’s as the next king of Israel, David wasn’t even invited to the show room.  But look what happens when the first son was presented to Samuel…

1 Samuel 16:7  But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or his stature, because I have rejected him. Man does not see what the Lord sees, for man sees what is visible by the Lord sees the heart.”

One by one, each of the eldest seven brothers were lined up and rejected by God. 

Verse 10-11 …After Jesse presented seven of his sons to him, Samuel told Jesse, “The LORD hasn’t chosen any of these.” Samuel asked him, “are these all the sons you have?”  “There is still the youngest,” he answered, “but right now he’s tending the sheep.” Samuel told Jesse, “Send for him. We won’t sit down to eat until he gets here.”

A simple shepherd boy...inappropriate attire for the occasion and reeking of sheep, more than likely…gets a standing invitation by Samuel and by God.

Verse 12(b) …Then the Lord said, “Anoint him, for he is the one.” So Samuel took the horn of oil, anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the Lord took control of David from that day forward…

You would think the story would go on to tell how David was treated like royalty by his family and community.  But no!  David was sent back out to tend to the sheep.  No ovation.  No flowers or red carpet.  Just…more sheep. 

Here, David is ANOINTED to be the next king of Israel… chosen, not by people, but by God. So, what does that mean?  David was chosen by God to accomplish a special favor with huge responsibilities.  But his assignment didn't change.  Not for a very long time. 

Can you relate to this story?  I can. 

I was a Christian all of my life.  I was raised that way.  But it wasn't until I was about fifteen that I learned what a relationship with Christ really looked like.  I even got a glimpse of who I am meant to be.  I believed God was going to use me for something special, yet I had no idea what it could be!  But as the years went on in high school, I never did become popular.  No one looked to me for inspiration or counsel.  I even felt ignored by people.  I was invisible.  Depression and anxiety sunk in deep.  I stopped reading my Bible.  I attended church, but I wasn't really there. When I left the rat race of school and I became a young adult, life didn't get much easier, like I had hoped.  The pain was still there.  I was still lost and discouraged.  I lost hope.

But God knew where I was.  He remembered who I am!  He was working on me.  I didn't see it then, but I understand that now. I needed to get through some things before I could effectively do what I was called to do. I have to fight the battles that I am called to overcome. That resonates with me.

Back to David...

David still had work to do as a shepherd.  He had to some things yet to accomplish before he could stand before the giant.

1 Samuel 17:37(a)  “The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of the Philistine.”

David's time was coming.  He knew that invisibility wasn't an indication of importance.  God knew where he was, and more importantly, WHO he was. 

Furtick says that sometimes when God puts you on the shelf, it means He is saving you for something special.  But that doesn't mean that you are on that shelf to collect dust.  What if God wants you to do the same old stuff with a brand new passion??  What if the field you are in makes you fit for a later fight??  

This reminds me of a song I like to listen to... 

I don't need my name in lights

I'm famous in my Father's eyes

Make no mistake

He knows my name...

(He Knows My Name by Francesca Battistelli)

So, I have some affirmations (given by Pastor Furtick) for us to think on that I will leave you with... 

#1. I am anointed to accomplish my assignment. 

We all are.  We all have purpose.  We all have a gift.  

#2. Just because I'm not visible doesn't mean I'm not valuable.  

Whether our assignment lies behind the scenes (mother, wife, server, supporter, encourager) or on the stage (pastor, author, singer)...we are all called to ministry in some way.  What might that look like to you?

#3. I don't need a better assignment to experience a greater anointing.

Don't wait for a newer, more popular or more visible assignment to fulfill your calling!  There are no dead-end jobs that are done in love.  

#4. I have nothing to prove and only One to please.

Galations 1:10  For am I now trying to win the favor of people, or God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ.

These are all things I am still learning and working on.  I'm learning that I can use my gifts in the field I am in.  I can be a part of God's purpose from where I stand!!

If God can use a jack of all trades like David (shepherd, harpist, slinger, little brother, king, author) to shape the history of the Bible both behind the scenes and on the stage...will he not use you?

Let us find out what God wants us to use that he has given us.  Let's find and develop our passion!

Sticks and Stones:

http://elevationchurch.org/sermons/sticks-and-stones

Here is a link to a test that might help discover our gifts:

https://www.arcchurches.com/start-a-church/take-disc