David went back and forth from Saul to tend his father’s flock in Bethlehem.
~ 1 Samuel 17.15
It must have been very difficult for the youngest son, who had already been anointed as the next king of Israel and who already had a standing position at the king’s court, to return and submit himself to the tending of his father’s sheep. Yet David was willing to do so – even though it is always more difficult to go down in status than to go up. Perhaps he had grasped that God was equipping him for the throne. But in any case, David obviously trusted God to do what was right because we hear no word of complaint from him. His example of perseverance, even in the midst of humbling circumstances, sets an example for us that we would do well to learn.
David’s experience here illustrates the principle that God is more concerned about developing our Christian character than in resolving our conflicting situations. This was the case with every leader God honored: Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David, Daniel, Peter and even our Lord Jesus. The principle is the same today. So if you expect to be used by God, expect first to learn some difficult lessons in His school for character.
This verse indicates that God deliberately held David in suspension between his two lives: the shepherd and the armor-bearer. While he stood at Saul’s right hand, David could see and almost taste the position God had promised he would someday hold. But he also was required to regularly return to the lowly position of a shepherd. Clearly, there were things he needed to learn through both experiences, but our focus at this point is the suspension between these two worlds. Why would God do this? It obviously required a measure of humility from David to step back into the role of the shepherd, and humility is a grace that God works into the lives of each of His people. However, David was not merely experiencing a demotion, but a suspension. With full knowledge that he was God’s anointed, David was forced to wait – one of the most difficult things for a man of action to do. [By the way, it is a fascinating study to trace the concept of “waiting” through Scripture.] God was developing David’s character in preparation for his future role as king. And the character development will not end here – David will have to wait many more years, running for his life, hiding in caves, fighting for safety and sanity, before he will ascend to the throne. As David waited upon God’s timing, God was teaching him deep lessons in humility, patience, perseverance, and faith.
God’s commitment to building our character explains in part why He so often leaves unresolved the difficult situations in our life. Holding us in suspension gets our attention. Requiring them to wait on His timing remains one of God’s most effective methods of teaching and building the character of His children. James said it like this: “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1.3-4)
I am sure you can think of at least one situation in your life that remains “open” and causes you a measure of uncertainty. As you prayerfully consider that situation, recognize that God is at work through it to build your Christian character. After all, if everything in your life was certain and resolved, how would you learn to walk by faith? By its very nature, faith requires a measure of uncertainty, just as perseverance presumes a measure of difficulty. God’s methods with us are often painful, but He is preparing us for a glorious destiny. (Romans 8.18) Unfulfilled hopes, unresolved conflicts, unexpected challenges – these are the fertile soil in which Christian character grows and bears fruit for God’s glory. “And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary.” (Galatians 6.9)
~Pastor Steere
