God speaks to us in a dream, a promise, a calling, and then what follows? A delay! As we seek to become who we are called to be and to receive the promises God has in store for us, we can draw wisdom from David’s attitudes and actions in the gap between the call and the crown.
Firstly, David was able to stay faithful to the call because he knew his authority. In 1 Samuel 17 when he went to fight Goliath, David said to him, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” When we know our authority, we will not shrink back from our own "giants" in life; rather we will stand strong, full of faith, and continue pursuing God’s call despite the odds.
Secondly, David was able to stay faithful to the call because he learned to be content in the gap between the call and the crown. When we face delays between God’s calling and its fulfilment in our lives, we can take great courage and remain content in every season knowing that God is working out his plan as we stay obedient to him.
Finally, David was able to stay faithful to the call because his confidence was in the Lord. He knew that his calling was safe in God’s hands. No giant, no battle, no disappointment or betrayal could stop the Lord from fulfilling his plan for David. When we face delays to the call of God over our lives, we remain faithful when we continue to put our confidence and trust in the Lord. We can be confident knowing that He will bring to completion the good work He has started in us!
Stepping up and stepping into the calling God has given you won’t always be easy, but if God has called you, He will equip you and go with you. But first, you have to stop putting off what God has put in your hands.
Exercise
· Where are you experiencing a delay in the promises and call of God?
· What is one area of your calling where you need to stand in your God given authority? What scriptural declarations do you need to make in these areas?
· When it comes to your calling, what can you do today to place your confidence in the Lord instead of in current circumstances?
Prayer: Dear God, I pray that your Holy Spirit would move powerfully in me right now. I ask that you help me to be faithful to Your calling. Even though I can’t see it all, I trust that You are working out Your plan for me. Thank You for giving me contentment and peace to remain true to you in every season. I pray that You will stir up a fight in me like never before. I choose to walk in Your boldness and authority. Lord, I believe you are making me into a bold leader, someone who is an overcomer, and someone who will stay faithful to Your calling on my life. In Jesus name, amen!
Scripture Reference
Philippians 1:6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.