Devotions/Partners

1 Samuel 17:37 (KJV): “David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.”

COMMENTARY: In business terms, “preparation” is the equivalent of education and experience. The Bible is full of men and women whom the Lord prepared for His purposes, in His way and in His time. In this passage, I picture the Lord as a Master Chef, creating a recipe (plan) for David’s life, carefully mixing personality ingredients, adding the salt of His Word, and cooking up experiences that will equip David for Godly service in the future. Unknown to David at the time, his experiences with wild beasts prepared him to face Goliath, and his diligent care over his father Jesse’s flock prepared him to serve as king of God’s people. His daily experiences also prepared him to compose and sing Psalms.

APPLICATION: As you go about your daily work, don’t be impatient when it comes to climbing the corporate ladder. God is methodically preparing you for what’s up ahead. Don’t jump the gun. If you are not achieving what you believe to be God-given goals, trust that He will bring it about in His time and in His way. You may be right with the vision, but wrong on the timing. You may need more seasoning!

There have been several specific instances of this in my career. There was a time when I was impatient about being promoted to vice president at the advertising agency where I worked. However, after

I came to Christ, He gave me the desire of my heart and I was promoted. I had turned this promotion into an idol, and until I was broken of my idolatry and made the Lord #1, He withheld the promotion I desired.

There was a time when I was impatient about starting my own business. Thank God that I have a Godly wife. She urged me to hold off until the time was right. In God’s time, He gave both of us peace about moving forward, and it came to pass. I’ve now operated the firm for decades.  

 Joyfully yours,

Drew

#76 – for week Dec 12, 2022

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about I Samuel 10:22 (KJV)，read The Task of Choosing a King (1 Samuel 9-16) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.