This is a question so many have asked including myself. I remember a time when I lifted up my voice and said, “What am I here for, what is my purpose in life?” I find that only when I listen to my heavenly Father and obey that I see His intent.
Go with me to I Samuel 9:3 and read where Saul was instructed by his father to go look for some donkeys that were missing. That seemed to be such a mundane task…no big deal but because he obeyed his father he just happened to be in the right place at the right time.
The Lord spoke to the prophet Samuel telling him that a man from the land of Benjamin was coming to town and that when he saw him to anoint that man, Saul, to be chief over the people of Israel. (9:15-16)
(9:17-20) God pointed out Saul to Samuel. Once they met Saul was told to stay and eat until the next day when Samuel would tell him what was in his heart. He also told Saul that the donkeys had been found. (10:1) Samuel poured out the oil upon Saul’s head and told him that the Lord has anointed him to be chief over His inheritance.
Saul was positioned for this anointing because of obedience to his father over a mundane task.
When reading the accounts of David we learn that he too submitted to a mundane task. He was out in the field tending his father’s sheep. Clearly, the great job he did protecting and providing for these sheep did not go unnoticed by God.
(16:1-13) There came a point that God decided that Saul was no longer suited for the position so directed the prophet to anoint a replacement King for Israel. So Samuel gathered together with Jessie and his sons for the purpose of pouring out the horn of oil on God’s chosen. However, the Lord spoke to the prophet letting him know that these sons were not the ones He had in mind. Samuel then asked if there was another son and Jessie responded by telling him about David. Immediately he was called for and when he arrived God gave His approval before Samuel did what he was sent to do.
Though David had been anointed it would be awhile before he would actually take the physical throne. He did, however, dwell with the reigning King. He was called upon because he was able to bring about peace, by playing a harp, when an evil spirit expressed itself through Saul. Then when the armies went out to war David returned to his father’s house.
(17:17-18) David’s father told him to go deliver some food to his brothers who were serving in Israel’s prestigious army. Another mundane task. But he went.
When he got to the army’s camp (17:23-25) he caught up with his brothers as they prepared to head out to the battle field. While conversing with them Goliath spoke up putting fear into the hearts of the soldiers. The men pointed out that this Philistine’s purpose was to defy Israel but added that the King had offered a reward to the man who would kill him.
(17: 26-27) David not only asked for clarification for the reward but also spoke up with a righteous indignation about this Philistine who would dare do such a thing.
(17:28-30) Even though David’s brothers ridiculed him, and assigned negative motives for his presence and comments, he stayed focused. He did not let them distract his interest.
(17:31) As a result, there were witnesses that reported David’s confidence and conversation to Saul. He liked what he heard and sent for him.
(17:32-33) In the King’s presence David shared his heart and convictions. Saul, however, was not very encouraging. He compared David’s youth and inexperience to that of Goliath’s many years of war experience.
(17:34-37) Then David responded with a verbal resume that expressed complete confidence that the Lord who had already delivered him from the lion and the bear would also deliver this uncircumcised Philistine into his hands. Saul hired him right on the spot.
(17:42-44) Carrying only the weapons that had already been proven David went out to engage the enemy. And at the same time Goliath approached the battle using a weapon that had, in the past, proven to defeat his enemy. His “bully mouth”, however, proved to be ineffective with David.
(17:45-47) Obviously David gave no place to fear, but rather used his mouth to prophesy over the enemy, as he boldly ran towards the giant. Then using the same weapons that gave him victory while protecting his father’s sheep he brought this enemy down.
These examples teach us about mere men who listened and obeyed their earthly fathers which caused them to do great things. Think about it. Their purpose was not just about ruling or saving a nation it was about pure obedience to the Father. Selah!!
We may start out obeying and find ourselves in great places. However, we can learn from Saul and David that it is important that we continue to listen and obey throughout life.
Continue reading I & II Samuel to see how David became such a great King. When there was an enemy to deal with he called upon his Father for wisdom and then did what he was told. Unfortunately, after many years of letting God direct his steps there came a time that he failed to inquire of the Lord and it cost him big time. (II Samuel 11:1-12-19)
Our purpose ultimately is to listen and obey (Love) our heavenly Father. (Matthew 22:37-39) Getting to know Him helps us learn to trust Him. When we acknowledge Him in all of our ways He directs our steps into the wonderful plan He has for our lives.
Jeremiah 29:11 says, “…I know the plans I have for you…to give you a future and hope…”
Some would say, “What about Jesus? He listened and obey His Father and that instruction was, “Go to earth and die”.
All I can say to that is if we are going to defeat the enemies that come against the ways of God the flesh has to be crucified. Jesus shed His blood in the war against God and His enemies. Though He died…He rose again…victorious over death. He earned the crown of King of Kings and Lord of Lords through pure obedience to His Father.
Our purpose is to put total trust in the Father. Don’t shrink back because it doesn’t sound significant enough. Don’t shrink back because of fear. Don’t disobey because of pain experienced while your flesh is being crucified. Let the Father reveal His plan for your life as you submit to the purpose you are here.
Amen!
Dr. Terry