“Not that we are competent in ourselves, but our competence comes from God.” 2 Corinthians 3:5 (NIV)
David is one of my favorite go-to’s in the Bible. Whether it be what he writes in Psalm or just looking at his life in general, I am continuously learning from David. And every time God asks me to do something and my response is, “I’m not qualified.” God’s encouragement so often is those faithful words, “But David was a shepherd….”
He was born into the business of a shepherd with the calling of a king. That looks like it could pose a problem, right? Because if you notice, people didn’t pick their kings. You were either born into the royal blood line or you weren’t. But with God, it didn’t matter how impossible the position was. God placed David on a throne without a drop of royalty in his blood.
David never had to force himself onto a throne. First, he was excellent at tending sheep. He killed a bear and a lion to protect his flock. Oh, and did I mention that he did it with his bare hands? Then, he was excellent at protecting his people when he killed a giant. Oh, and did I mention that he did it with just a sling and a stone? He was the youngest and smallest of his brothers, and the most unqualified and untrained soldier. But you know what David never was? Afraid of what he wasn’t. David didn’t stop and say, “I’m not strong enough to kill a lion,” or “I’m not big enough to kill a giant.”
David didn’t let what he wasn’t stop him because David knew that God was. God was all the qualification that he needed. God was strong enough to fight a lion and a bear and giant. God was worthy enough to become a king. And David stepped into every unqualified position with God as his resume.
When God calls you to a task, or a position, or a purpose, don’t be afraid of your insufficiency. God can place you in the throne of your calling, even if you’ve only been a shepherd so far.
This happens when we stop struggling with the checklist of requirements that our calling demands, and start following God’s instructions knowing that He. Is. Enough. If God called you to a position, God will carry you through the process. Trust Him.
And when circumstances in life and people around you tell you you’ll never make it, it’s impossible, or you can’t, look life in the face and say, “but David was a shepherd.” You can be a king in your calling. Because what God calls you to, He always leads you through.
Be Blessed!
Jordan Smith
Jordan W. Smith 