Fearlessly Courageous
Desk of Dennis Piller
6/18/2021
Lessons from the life of David for our lives as leaders today …
As you look at an overview of David’s life, you can see that it was a journey through various seasons and phases. Some were incredibly joyful and victorious, while others were very dark and discouraging. Can you relate to this larger-than-life biblical figure?
Brief timeline:
• 17 years old – anointed and prophesied over (great future). David’s destiny was revealed at a young age when he was anointed by the prophet Samuel in front of his brothers. This was the sovereign choosing of God based on David’s heart condition.
• Defeat of Goliath, service in Saul’s court, then a fugitive (13 yrs)
• 30 years old – anointed king in Hebron over Judah (7.5 yrs)
• 37.5 years old – anointed king in Jerusalem over Israel (33 yrs)
• 70 years old – died (40 yrs as king)
At no time did David have the full picture, other than a few glimpses along the way. His life had to be a walk of faith, trusting in God each step of the way, sometimes in very contradictory circumstances. Yet through it, all God was at work in and through David’s life.
In the cave of Adullam, David was unsure of how God was going to work things out but he was committed to finding out. During this time, David is a pursued man living in caves and strongholds in the wilderness. Though called and anointed by God, he is running for his life from the jealousy and animosity of the current leadership over Israel. He has a word from God but all the current circumstances are contrary to it. He must trust in God and believe that his times are in God’s hand.
What might that look like today? Living in the streets? Homeless or perhaps caught in a pit of addiction or divorce or family battlement, unemployment…living from hand to mouth. Trying to trust God and his promises but everything around you is so dark…doesn’t that sound like the cave of David’s life for so many years? Running, fighting, trusting God that this next battle may bring some relief and the full promises of God to bear?
1 Sam 22:3. From there David went to Mizpah in Moab and said to the king of Moab, "Would you let my father and mother come and stay with you until I learn what God will do for me?" NIV
A few insights from this lesson:
• God raises up a leader progressively over time, gradually increasing their influence. He makes the person along the way, building character and perseverance. Over time his circle of influence spreads, as does his favor.
• It took many years for God’s will to come to pass. David was attacked and tried in various ways. At times it didn’t seem like God’s word would come to pass.
• Spiritual growth takes time. David was anointed as king by Samuel when he was about 17 years old (1 Sam 16:12-13). He would not actually rule over all Israel, however, until many years later (5:4-5). A toadstool can spring up overnight, but mighty trees don’t grow quite that fast.
• David began and ended his ministry by acknowledging the absolute sovereignty of God in the lives of his people (1 Sam 17:46-47; 1 Chron 29:10-15). David recognized God’s hand and call on his life. He gave God credit for his leadership influence. He realized that his destiny was for the nation, not for his own ego.
What about you? Is it a high season or a low one? Are you in a fulfillment phase or a frustrating one? In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus talks about being ‘yoked’ to him. Are you running ahead, lagging behind, or keeping ‘in step’ with him in your journey?
There are some great examples here to encourage you that no matter where you are, God is with you. He has a plan for you. He is preparing you for a journey of his calling not your own. Once we get out of ourselves and look fully to God, trust fully in God we will come to a place of peace and rest even as we walk by the valley of the shadow of death.
Encourage yourself in the Lord today and pray with us for one hour with your family. Take a moment bless them and draw their attention to God himself. Take someone with you into God’s Throne room.
You Raise me Up. Only Men Aloud
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88RUGzmxOdA&list=RDVhrxRccU3Lw&index=3
Excerpts are taken from City Life Church, Leadership Lessons on David
