2020-06-02
1 Samuel 10:27 NLV
Wanneer God jou vir ‘n spesifieke doel roep, sal nie almal daaroor bly wees nie. ‘Maar daar was ook sommige bose manne wat ontevrede was en gesê het: ‘Hoe kan hierdie man ons red?’ Hulle het hom verag en geen geskenke vir hom gebring nie. Saul het hom egter nie aan hulle gesteur nie.’ Jou gawes – en die resultate wat dit meebring – bevestig jou roeping. “…Samuel [sê] vir [Saul]: ‘…jy moet hier bly staan, want ek het ‘n boodskap van God vir jou…'” (1 Samuel 9:27 NLV) Wanneer jy weet dat jy ‘n opdrag van God af gekry het, sal die kritiek van ander jou minder affekteer. God se teenwoordigheid stel jou gerus, sy Woord rig jou treë en sy vrede laat die storm binne-in jou bedaar. Wanneer jy God se stem gehoor het, sal vleitaal jou nie beïnvloed nie, omdat beide jou voete op die grond geplaas is en omdat jou instruksies duidelik is. Jy sal nie ander mense se lof nodig hê nie, want God se vertroue in jou sal jou heeltemal bevredig. Nadat jy God se stem gehoor het, verander jou houding onmiddellik; jy sal nie die toekoms met woede of vrees ingaan nie. God het gepraat, sy Woord los elke kwessie op en oor tyd sal Hy reg bewys word. Hier is ‘n belangrike Skrifgedeelte om in gedagte te hou: ‘Die werk wat nou aan die gang is, lyk miskien klein en nie waffers nie. Maar moenie die waarde daarvan onderskat nie…’ (Sagaria 4:10 DB). In plaas daarvan om jouself met ander mense te vergelyk en jouself af te kraak, moet jy elke klein treetjie wat jy in geloof op pad na jou Godgegewe doelwit neem, vier.
Sielskos: 1 Kon 14-15; Mark 13:24-37; Ps 121; Spr 12:23-24
1 Samuel 10:27 NIV
When God calls us to something, not everyone will be happy about it. Saul experienced this: ‘Some scoundrels said, “How can this fellow save us?” They despised him and brought him no gifts. But Saul kept silent.’ People may come against us because they doubt our abilities or because they’re jealous of what we’re doing. When this happens, what should we do? Saul reacted to the criticism by keeping silent. That’s a really important lesson for us. Sometimes we can become defensive and retaliate with our words. At times it might be right to speak up against people’s opinions in a gentle way, but at other times it will be right for us to keep quiet. It’s not our responsibility to convince others of our calling. By following God’s call, we might not be able to meet the expectations of other people. But we shouldn’t be living to please others. Our calling is from God, in order to advance His kingdom and glorify Him. When we know we’ve heard from God, the criticism of others will affect us less. His presence reassures us, His words direct our steps, and His peace settles the storm within us. We won’t require the praise of others, because His confidence in us will be enough. And if things don’t move as quickly as we’d like once we’ve been called, we need to keep this verse in mind: ‘Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin’ (Zechariah 4:10 NLT). Instead of comparing ourselves with others and putting ourselves down, let’s celebrate each small step of faith we take as we walk into our God-given calling.
1 Kings 14-15; Mark 13:24-37; Ps 121; Prov 12:23-24
1 Samuel 10:27 NKJV
When God calls you to a special destiny, not everyone will be happy about it. “Some…said, ‘How can this man [Saul] save us?’ So they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace.” Note Saul’s reaction to his critics: “He held his peace.” Bottom line: It’s not your responsibility to convince others of your calling; it’s their responsibility to discern it. The Bible says, “A man’s gift makes room for him” (Proverbs 18:16 NAS). It’s your gifts – and the results they produce – that validate your calling. “Samuel said to Saul…’stand here awhile, that I may announce to you the word of God'” (1 Samuel 9:27 NKJV). When you know you’ve heard from God, the criticism of others will affect you less. His presence reassures you, His words direct your steps, and His peace settles the storm within you. After you hear the voice of God, the flattering words of others can’t puff you up, because both your feet are on the ground and your instructions are clear. You will not require the praise of others, for His confidence in you satisfies completely. After you hear the voice of God, your attitude changes instantly; you won’t face the future with anger, torment, or fear. God has spoken, His words have settled every issue, and time will prove Him correct. And here’s an important Scripture to keep in mind: “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin” (Zechariah 4:10 NLT). Instead of comparing yourself with others and putting yourself down, celebrate each small step of faith you take on the way to your God-given destiny.
Soul food: 1 Kings 14-15; Mark 13:24-37; Ps 121; Prov 12:23-24
2020-06-01
1 Samuel 10:1 NKJV
Here’s the remarkable story of how Saul became Israel’s first king. He was out scouring the countryside for his father’s lost donkeys when he met the prophet Samuel. “Samuel said to Saul, ‘Tell the servant to go on ahead of us.’ And he went on. ‘But you stand here awhile, that I may announce to you the word of God.’ Then Samuel took…oil and poured it on his head, and…said: ‘Is it not because the Lord has anointed you commander over His inheritance?'” (1 Samuel 9:27-10:1 NKJV). Think about it: Saul went out looking for donkeys – and discovered his destiny! And it can happen to you too! God has a habit of calling people who are busy doing other things. James and John were mending their fishing nets, Matthew was collecting taxes, Elisha was farming, and Saul was out looking for his father’s lost donkeys. It was just another day on the job, working to make a living. But when God has a destiny for you, and a date on His calendar with your name on it, He will come and get you. You say, “But I’m nobody special!” That’s what Saul said too: “Am I not a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel, and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin?” (1 Samuel 9:21 NKJV). Your social status doesn’t limit God. When He has a plan in mind for you, He will reach into the background and bring you into the foreground. So stay faithful, keep serving Him, and your time will come!
Soul food: 1 Kings 12-13; Mark 13:12-23; Ps 117; Prov 12:20-22
1 Samuel 10:1 NIV
Here’s how Saul became Israel’s first king. He was out in the countryside looking for his father’s lost donkeys when he met the prophet Samuel. ‘Samuel said to Saul, “Tell the servant to go on ahead of us…but you stay here for a while, so that I may give you a message from God.” Then Samuel took a flask of olive oil and poured it on Saul’s head and kissed him, saying, “Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over his inheritance?”‘ (1 Samuel 9:27-10:1 NIV). Saul went out looking for donkeys and instead discovered his calling in life. And it can happen like that for us too. God has a habit of calling people who are busy doing other things. James and John were mending their fishing nets, Matthew was collecting taxes, Elisha was farming, and Saul was out looking for his father’s lost donkeys. It was just another day for them. We can spend a lot of time worrying and stressing about what we should be doing with our lives. But sometimes God’s purpose for our lives become apparent when we least expect it. When the call comes, we can struggle to accept it. We doubt whether we’re really the right person. Saul did that too. He had said: ‘But am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin?’ (1 Samuel 9:21 NIV). Our social status and education levels don’t limit God. Neither does our fear. When He has a plan in mind for us, He’ll let us know and equip us to be able to do it. So if we’re stressing about what our purpose is, let’s stay faithful, keep serving Him, and believe that our time will come.
1 Kings 12-13; Mark 13:12-23; Ps 117; Prov 12:20-22
