The path to the throne (3)

All of David's brothers were lined up to meet Samuel, the famous man of God, when he came to Bethlehem looking for the next king of Israel. But not David. That must have hurt. No! It's clear from David's words and songs that he was confident that nobody could keep God's blessing from him. After a while it dawned on Samuel that someone was missing and he called for that person: 'as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of oil he had brought and anointed David' (1 Samuel 16:13 NLT).

If we remain faithful, God will lift us up despite those who put us down. But let's be prepared for challenge! Like Joseph's brothers, they'll lay traps thinking, 'we'll see what comes of his dreams' (Genesis 37:20 NIV). Why would those who are supposed to love us say such a thing? Usually because of jealousy or self-preservation. Let's be ready for a dose of rejection, especially when there's no evidence to prove our God-given dream. Even when David was ready to take on Goliath, his oldest brother called him arrogant and belittled him (see 1 Samuel 17:28).

These God stories from way back in Old Testament times are here to encourage us, today. We each have a great destiny on earth, through our relationship with Jesus. Let David's story give us hope for ours.



So what now? As you walk your journey with God, keep his promises and principles close to you - they're the things that keep you going when you hit opposition.





— SCRIPTURE —

'I have found David...a man after my own heart.' Acts 13:22 NKJV
— SOULFOOD —

2 Sam 1:1-3:21, John 1:29-42, Ps 131 , Pro 23:1-3