Embracing Purpose: Training Through Trials and Brokenness
Summary
In a message focused on the theme of utilizing one's God-given talents and enduring through trials, the speaker delves into the biblical narrative of David, drawing parallels between David's experiences and the lives of contemporary believers. The central message is that every individual has a unique purpose and calling, which God has equipped them to fulfill. The speaker emphasizes that the tools and opportunities provided by God should be actively used, likening them to various instruments of success, such as a Fender Stratocaster guitar or a slingshot, each serving a purpose in the grand scheme of God's plan.
The narrative of David is used to illustrate the concept of "training for reigning," suggesting that life's challenges and experiences prepare individuals for their divine destiny. David's journey from shepherd to king is highlighted as an example of humble beginnings leading to significant outcomes. The speaker points out that David's anointing as king did not immediately result in his ascension to the throne; instead, he continued to serve in his existing role, demonstrating faithfulness in the present while awaiting God's timing for the future.
The speaker also touches on the idea of living a life that pleases God rather than seeking the approval of others. This is exemplified by David's refusal to retaliate against King Saul, despite Saul's attempts on his life. David's restraint is portrayed as a lesson in humility and trust in God's plan, even when faced with adversity.
Furthermore, the speaker addresses the concept of brokenness, distinguishing between being broken and being damaged. Brokenness is described as a state that God can use for His purposes, while damage is often self-inflicted through disobedience or poor choices. The message conveys that God is not seeking perfection but rather a contrite heart that is open to His restoration and guidance.
The speaker encourages individuals to embrace their current circumstances as part of their divine training, assuring them that God's plan for their lives is always at work, even when it is not immediately apparent. The message concludes with a call to trust in God's provision and timing, to remain persistent in prayer, and to live with intentionality, aligning one's actions with God's purposes.
Key Takeaways:
- The story of David serves as a powerful reminder that one's current situation, no matter how humble or challenging, is part of a larger divine plan for growth and preparation. Just as David was anointed king yet returned to shepherding, individuals are encouraged to be faithful in their current roles while trusting in God's timing for their lives. [22:15]
- True leadership and influence are not about seeking power or position but about serving others and being faithful to one's calling. David's influence began not as a king but as a shepherd and musician, demonstrating that one's anointing can manifest in various ways, and each role is significant in God's eyes. [25:12]
- The concept of "training for reigning" suggests that life's adversities are not obstacles but opportunities for development. As David learned to lead through his experiences, including facing Saul's hostility, individuals are encouraged to view their challenges as a means to grow in character and resilience. [11:52]
- Brokenness is not a disqualification but a qualification for God's use. The speaker distinguishes between being broken, which God can use, and being damaged, which often results from our actions. A broken and contrite heart is valued by God and can be a starting point for restoration and fulfillment of purpose. [32:13]
- Living a life that pleases God rather than people is a key to unlocking divine favor and purpose. The speaker urges individuals to focus on obedience to God and to let go of the desire to please others, which can be a moving target. By pleasing God, one can expect to be lifted to places of influence and opportunity that align with their divine calling. [43:25]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Samuel 16:1-13 - The anointing of David as king.
2. Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
3. Psalm 51:17 - "My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was David doing when Samuel came to anoint him as king? How did David respond to being anointed? ([21:05])
2. How did David's role in Saul's court begin, and what was his initial task? ([22:46])
3. What was Saul's reaction to David's growing influence and favor among the people? ([25:12])
4. How did David handle the repeated attempts on his life by Saul? ([27:00])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the story of David's anointing and his return to shepherding teach us about God's timing and preparation? ([21:38])
2. How does Romans 8:28 relate to the concept of "training for reigning" as seen in David's life? ([05:11])
3. In what ways does Psalm 51:17 reflect David's attitude towards his own brokenness and repentance? ([32:13])
4. How can we understand the difference between being broken and being damaged in the context of our spiritual lives? ([30:58])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt overlooked or undervalued in your current role. How can David's story encourage you to remain faithful and trust in God's timing? ([21:38])
2. Identify a specific challenge or trial you are currently facing. How can you view this as part of your "training for reigning"? ([11:52])
3. Are there areas in your life where you are seeking the approval of others rather than living to please God? How can you shift your focus to align more with God's purposes? ([43:25])
4. Think about a situation where you have been wronged or attacked. How can you respond with humility and trust in God's plan, as David did with Saul? ([27:00])
5. In what ways can you embrace your current circumstances as part of God's divine training? What practical steps can you take to remain persistent in prayer and trust in God's provision? ([49:42])
6. How can you cultivate a broken and contrite heart that is open to God's restoration and guidance? What specific actions can you take this week to demonstrate this attitude? ([32:13])
7. Consider the unique talents and opportunities God has given you. How can you actively use these "instruments of success" to serve others and fulfill your divine calling? ([22:15])
Devotional
Day 1: Divine Design in Humble Beginnings
God's plan often starts small, preparing us for greater things. David's life exemplifies this truth, as he was anointed king but returned to shepherding, a role that seemed insignificant compared to the royalty he was promised. Yet, it was in those humble beginnings that David's character was shaped, his faith was tested, and his heart was aligned with God's will. This period of waiting and serving in a lowly position was not a setback but a setup for his future reign. It teaches that faithfulness in the present, no matter how mundane or unremarkable the task may seem, is crucial for the fulfillment of God's promises in one's life. The anointing comes with a process, and every step, including the seemingly small ones, is vital in the journey towards God's ordained destiny for each person. [22:15]
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations." - Jeremiah 1:5 ESV
Reflection: Reflect on your current circumstances, no matter how humble. How might God be using these situations to prepare you for future responsibilities He has in store for you?
Day 2: Servant Leadership Shapes Influence
True influence arises not from a quest for power but from a heart of service. David's influence began in the pastures, far from the throne he was destined for. His time as a shepherd and musician was not wasted; instead, it was where his leadership qualities were nurtured. This teaches that every role and season has significance in God's eyes, and one's calling may manifest in unexpected ways. The key is to serve with excellence and faithfulness wherever one is placed, trusting that God's anointing operates beyond human titles and positions. By embracing servant leadership, individuals can make a profound impact in the lives of others, and in doing so, they walk in alignment with their divine purpose. [25:12]
"Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all." - Mark 10:43-44 ESV
Reflection: In what ways can you serve others in your current environment, and how might this servant leadership be a part of your divine calling?
Day 3: Adversity as Opportunity for Growth
Challenges are not mere obstacles but are opportunities for character development and preparation for leadership. The concept of "training for reigning" is vividly portrayed in David's life as he faced adversities, including King Saul's hostility. These experiences were not random hardships but were integral to David's development as a leader. They taught him resilience, reliance on God, and the importance of integrity. Similarly, personal trials can serve as a divine curriculum, equipping individuals with the wisdom, strength, and compassion needed for their future roles. Embracing this perspective transforms one's outlook on difficulties, seeing them as a means to grow and be shaped for reigning in one's sphere of influence. [11:52]
"In his distress he sought the favor of the Lord his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his ancestors." - 2 Chronicles 33:12 ESV
Reflection: Consider a recent challenge you've faced. How can you view this difficulty as a training ground for future leadership God has planned for you?
Day 4: Brokenness as a Pathway to Purpose
Brokenness is not a sign of disqualification but a state that God can use for His purposes. It is through our brokenness that we often experience God's restoration and power most profoundly. Unlike damage, which is often the result of our own disobedience, brokenness can be a place of surrender and transformation. A broken and contrite heart is what God desires, as it is the starting point for healing and being used for His glory. This principle is a call to authenticity and humility, inviting individuals to come before God just as they are, trusting that He can work through their imperfections to fulfill His purposes. [32:13]
"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." - Psalm 51:17 ESV
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel broken, and how can you offer that brokenness to God as a means for Him to work through you?
Day 5: Pleasing God Over People
Living to please God rather than seeking human approval is key to unlocking one's divine destiny. This principle is exemplified in David's life, particularly in his refusal to harm King Saul, despite Saul's pursuit to kill him. David's commitment to God's will over man's favor teaches the importance of obedience and trust in God's timing. Pleasing God may often mean going against the grain of societal expectations or personal desires, but it is in this obedience that one finds true fulfillment and purpose. By prioritizing God's approval over others', individuals can expect to be lifted to places of influence and opportunity that align with their divine calling. [43:25]
"For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." - Galatians 1:10 ESV
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are tempted to seek the approval of others over God's, and how can you begin to shift your focus to pleasing God in this area?
Quotes
1) "God's work is released by living on purpose. Living according to the purpose that God has for us." [03:58] (Download)
2) "David understood that every time he killed a lion and a bear, every time he defended the sheep, he knew that God was training him for something." [22:15] (Download)
3) "David's story is one of learning wisdom and persevering through diversity while not rebelling against authority." [14:36] (Download)
4) "God is looking for broken and humble people. God is looking for broken not damaged. There's a difference." [30:24] (Download)
5) "We create an environment where fruit can be produced. We create an environment where God's plans are put into action and we create an environment of obedience to God and faith in him." [11:11] (Download)
6) "Stop trying to please people with your life... We need to be a God pleaser and if we will live a life of obedience and pleasing to the Lord, he will give us favor." [43:25] (Download)
7) "David was reigning because he was influence. He became influence to the king... He began to be a person of influence because of his anointing for worship." [25:12] (Download)
8) "God has not forsaken, God is Not Forgotten, and he has not forsaken. Your gifts and your callings they go without repentance." [40:05] (Download)
9) "God can restore it and he can put you on the path for you to Reign and to rule where God has you." [35:38] (Download)
10) "God has a plan for your life and that plan didn't start on your birthday, that plan started before the foundations of the earth." [36:20] (Download)
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