Daily
Devotional

David was a good example of the type of person God can use. When the statements from our focus verses were made, David was just a young man, yet he had already gained a reputation for good works. People knew he loved and trusted God because God was with him. In addition to qualities onlookers could observe, we know from Scripture that David was quick to do what he could for the Lord, and the things he learned, he learned well. He knew God was a big God and that whatever He started out to do, He would finish.

The task assigned to David was not easy. He was asked to play his harp to calm the evil spirit within Saul, which at times was probably very uncomfortable. However, he was a good candidate for the job because he could play well, he had the Lord with him, and he was willing to do what he was asked. These ingredients are what the Lord is looking for in His workers today as well. He wants us to be prepared, anointed, and willing.  

Being prepared means that, when possible, we need to develop the skills to do what the Lord will ask of us. For example, David could not have played his harp for Saul if he had not been practicing beforehand. We, too, must cultivate the skills God wants us to use for Him. If the Lord gives us the opportunity to be trained, we must be diligent during that training period. Even if we feel that our skills are inadequate to serve God, we can trust that He will bless our efforts when we are doing our best for Him.

The next requirement is to be anointed. If our service to the Lord is done in our own strength, it will be meaningless. Even if we have developed our talents to a remarkable degree, without the Holy Spirit in our lives, our efforts will not be as effective. We must have hearts that are right with God before we can do His work.

Finally, we must be willing. The Lord may ask us to do something that seems impossible, but remember, we do not have to worry about how the task will get done. We only have to be willing and obedient. If we have been faithfully following God, we can trust Him to take care of the rest.

God can use someone who is looking for ways to please the Lord and is faithful when given something to do. We may not feel we have many talents, but we need to make the ones we do have available to God. Each of us is a work in progress. Taking on new responsibilities is not always easy, but if we remain willing and obedient, God will perfect the work He has begun in us.