Preparing for Greatness: Lessons from David's Journey
Summary
In my recent sermon, I explored the life of David, a young shepherd boy anointed to be the next king of Israel, and the principle of preparation that God used to shape him into a leader capable of carrying the weight of the crown. David's journey to kingship was not immediate; it was a process that spanned over a decade, during which God meticulously prepared him for his future role.
David's life in the fields, tending sheep, was marked by encounters with lions and bears. When a lion stole one of his sheep, David did not hesitate to chase it down and kill it with his bare hands. These acts of bravery were not performed for an audience or for the sake of a story in the Bible, which had not yet been written. David was simply living his life, unaware that these moments of character-building were preparing him for his destiny.
The heart of my message centered on the idea that true character is revealed and developed in obscurity, in the moments when no one is watching. It is in these everyday battles and decisions that we either choose to operate with the character of a king, as David did, or we let opportunities for growth pass us by. David's faith and courage, exemplified when he faced Goliath, were not spontaneous but the result of his consistent character and trust in God during his unseen battles with wild animals.
I drew parallels between David's preparation and the discipline required in sports, as seen in the dedication of the lady tigers and lady Colts basketball teams. Their success on the court was the culmination of countless hours of practice, running drills, and playing through injuries—moments that went unnoticed by the crowds.
The principle of preparation is not glamorous; it requires discipline and commitment when there is no immediate reward or recognition. It is what we do in the downtime that prepares us for the big moments in life. I used the example of Michael Jordan, whose greatness was forged not when he was in the spotlight, but when he was alone on the court, practicing tirelessly after being cut from his high school basketball team.
In conclusion, the life of David teaches us that God's preparation should not be mistaken for punishment. It is a process designed to equip us for the purpose He has for our lives. It is in the quiet, unseen moments that our character is tested and our faith is strengthened, preparing us for the moments when the world is watching.
Key Takeaways:
- Character is not just about the title or position we hold; it is about the decisions we make when no one is watching. David's choice to protect his flock at great personal risk demonstrates that true leadership is about serving and protecting those entrusted to us, regardless of recognition or reward. [21:23]
- Faith is an active, living force that propels us into our destiny. David's faith was not passive; it was a faith that took action against the giants in his life. We too must be willing to put our faith into action, trusting that God is who He says He is and will fulfill His promises. [23:58]
- Preparation is a principle that applies to all areas of life, not just spiritual growth. Just as athletes train in the off-season, we must also 'train' in our spiritual lives, engaging in practices that build our faith and character. This preparation is what makes us ready for the opportunities God has in store for us. [12:29]
- The unseen moments of our lives are often the most significant in God's eyes. While the world celebrates outward success, God values the quiet integrity and perseverance that we exhibit when we think no one is watching. These moments are the true test of our character. [16:30]
- God's preparation is not punishment; it is His way of equipping us for the challenges ahead. When we face trials or obstacles, we should view them as opportunities for growth that God is using to prepare us for greater things. Our perspective on these challenges can transform our experience from one of suffering to one of learning and growth. [25:21]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Samuel 16:1-13 - The anointing of David by Samuel.
2. 1 Samuel 17:34-37 - David recounts his encounters with lions and bears while tending sheep.
3. James 1:2-4 - The testing of faith produces perseverance.
#### Observation Questions
1. What was David doing when Samuel came to anoint the next king of Israel? (1 Samuel 16:11)
2. How did David respond when a lion or bear took one of his sheep? (1 Samuel 17:34-35)
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of what we do in the "downtime"? [12:29]
4. How does James describe the purpose of trials and testing in our lives? (James 1:2-4)
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God chose David, a young shepherd, to be the next king of Israel? What does this tell us about God's criteria for leadership? (1 Samuel 16:7)
2. How did David's experiences with lions and bears prepare him for his encounter with Goliath? [21:23]
3. In what ways does the principle of preparation apply to both spiritual and everyday life, according to the sermon? [12:29]
4. How can we interpret trials and challenges in our lives as opportunities for growth rather than punishment? [25:21]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a challenge or trial. How did it prepare you for a future opportunity or responsibility? [20:47]
2. David demonstrated character and bravery in his everyday tasks. What are some "everyday battles" you face, and how can you approach them with the character of a king? [21:23]
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of preparation in the "downtime." What specific practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to build your faith and character? [12:29]
4. Think about a situation where you might be tempted to take the easy way out. How can you choose to act with integrity and faith, even when no one is watching? [16:30]
5. How can you shift your perspective to see current challenges as God's preparation for your future? What practical steps can you take to embrace this mindset? [25:21]
6. Identify a "lion" in your life that you need to confront. What steps will you take this week to face this challenge head-on, trusting in God's strength? [24:38]
7. David's faith was active and took action against giants. What is one area in your life where you need to put your faith into action? How will you do this in the coming week? [23:58]
Devotional
Day 1: Integrity Beyond the Spotlight
True character is often forged in the quiet, unseen moments of life. It is easy to perform when there is an audience, but the true test of integrity comes when no one is watching. David, before becoming king, was a shepherd who faced life-threatening challenges alone in the wilderness. His courage and sense of responsibility were not for show but were genuine expressions of his character. These moments, though unseen by others, were seen by God and were instrumental in shaping David into the leader he would become. Similarly, each individual is faced with choices every day that may seem insignificant but are crucial in developing a steadfast character that honors God.
"Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart." - Psalm 51:6
Reflection: Consider a recent situation where you had to make a choice without any external pressure or recognition. Did you choose what was right, or did you compromise? How can you cultivate integrity in these unseen moments?
Day 2: Faith in Action
Faith is not merely a belief system; it is an active force that requires us to step out and face our giants. David's encounter with Goliath was not a random act of bravery but the culmination of a life lived with active faith. He had developed a trust in God through his experiences, which empowered him to take bold action when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. This active faith is essential for everyone, as it propels individuals into their God-given destinies. It is a faith that does not wait passively but seizes the opportunities to demonstrate God's power in one's life.
"And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." - Hebrews 11:6
Reflection: What giants are you facing in your life right now, and how can you actively apply your faith to overcome them? [23:58]
Day 3: Discipline in Spiritual Training
Preparation is a universal principle that applies to all areas of life, including spiritual growth. Just as athletes train rigorously to excel in their sport, individuals must also engage in spiritual disciplines to strengthen their faith and character. This preparation is often done in private, through prayer, study of the Scriptures, and other spiritual practices. It is this dedication to growth in the off-season of life that prepares one for the moments when God calls them to step into their purpose. The discipline of preparation is not about immediate rewards but about being ready for the opportunities that God will bring.
"But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified." - 1 Corinthians 9:27
Reflection: What spiritual disciplines can you incorporate into your daily routine to prepare for the opportunities God has for you? [12:29]
Day 4: Valuing the Unseen
The world often celebrates visible success and achievements, but God values the integrity and perseverance shown in the quiet, unseen moments of life. These moments, though unnoticed by others, are significant in God's eyes and are the true test of one's character. It is in these times that individuals prove their faithfulness and develop the qualities that God seeks in His followers. The unseen moments are where the heart is shaped and the spirit is tested, laying the foundation for a life that is pleasing to God.
"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him." - 2 Chronicles 16:9a
Reflection: How can you honor God in the unseen moments of your life, and what does it mean to live with quiet integrity? [16:30]
Day 5: Embracing God's Preparation
Trials and obstacles are not punishments from God but are part of His preparation process for greater things. Understanding this perspective transforms the experience of challenges from one of suffering to one of learning and growth. Just as David's early life experiences prepared him for kingship, the difficulties faced today are equipping individuals for the future God has planned. Embracing this process of preparation allows one to grow in faith and character, ready to face what lies ahead with confidence.
"And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you." - 1 Peter 5:10
Reflection: How can you view your current trials as opportunities for growth, and what steps can you take to embrace God's preparation in your life? [25:21]
Quotes
"It's what you do in the downtime that makes you dangerous. It's up to you and what you decide to do when nobody is watching. Think about the goats, think about the greats." [13:33] ( | | )
"David made the decision to operate with the character of a king before he had the title that a king would require. Nobody was watching David but he went after the lion anyway." [21:23] ( | | )
"Michael Jordan's greatness started when he didn't make the high school basketball team. It's what you do where you are right now when nobody is watching that will get you from where you are to where God is calling you to go." [15:16] ( | | )
"David had a faith that God was who he says he was and he would do exactly what he said he was going to do. He saw this moment with the Philistine as an opportunity to prepare for the kingship that he knew was coming." [23:58] ( | | )
"Be careful the Giants you're chasing. There's something in your life right now that God is asking you to do. For each one of us, there is a lion that God is asking you to chase down." [24:38] ( | | )
"Success will win the heart of the world but character will win the heart of God. Outward success may win you the heart of the world, but it's in the character on the inside that will win you the heart and the favor of God." [18:14] ( | | )
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