Giving His Best

I’ve been reading and studying the mentors in King David’s life to see what the people were like who had the greatest influences on him. Samuel was one of the most Godly influences in his life and in the nation of Israel.

I came across a time in his life that I found very relate able. He had been leading Israel for many years and they had decided they wanted a king so they could be like other nations around them.

As you can imagine he felt great rejection and yet he was given the assignment of anointing his replacement and to continue serving in every capacity that was required.

Years ago I worked for a company that required me to train my boss and when requests were made, I needed to complete them and let him have the credit. I will say that Samuel handled it much better that I did. I wish I would have know about his story then, perhaps I would have done things much differently.

Samuel was given the task of anointing a new king and after being reassured by God that the rejection he felt was truly rejection of God, he proceeded with a servants heart and complete attention to every detail.

I especially love the part in 1 Samuel 9:17 where it says, “This is the man I spoke to you about.” God was speaking with Samuel. He was discussing His plans and Samuel’s role in completing those plans.

In their conversation God revealed pieces of His plan to Samuel. Some of those were that he would meet a man who had been looking for lost donkeys and he was to inform him that they had been found. He was also to tell the man that he would govern Israel.

Knowing that the man he would meet would take his place as leader of Israel, Samuel still gave his best at preparing every detail in obedience to God. He invited others to a feast where Saul would be a guest of honor. He set aside the best portion of meat for Saul and he spoke with Saul and gave him a message from God.

Could you do the same and with a servants heart if you were in this situation? Because of his relationship with God, Samuel was able to decrease so that Saul could increase. In truth Samuel’s trust in God increased as his position in Israel decreased. Although an earthly king was not God’s desire, he allowed Israel to have one, but warned them that their choice would have dire consequences.

Over the years Samuel continued to selflessly serve the nation and never ceased praying for Saul. I want to be like that. When circumstances seem unfair and I feel rejection, I want to hear the Lord speak into the situation and continue serving with a right heart. I want it to be more about God and less about me.

I want to never cease praying for a lost soul or a wrong situation because God can do anything. I want to be a part of God’s work in others lives and although that may mean I don’t know all the details and that I may experience rejection and unfairness, I will be forever blessed because of a personal and priceless relationship with God.

My Prayer

Father, thank you for Godly examples like Samuel. Sometimes life is not fair and yet You ask us to rise above the injustice and serve with a servants heart. I love that You speak with us Lord. What a gift to communicate with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Help me to remember that rejection is not of You. I will always find love and acceptance in Your arms. I pray that You become more in my life and that I become less. Less of myself and more of You Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Where does my help come from?

John 3:30

“He must become greater; I must become less.”

Colossians 3:23-24

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”