I
n these days we are feeling more than
ever what it’s like to be a minority group in an
otherwise anti-God culture. If ever there was
a generation of Davids confronting Goliath,
it is today.
As we look at the story of David, we see that he
had a lot of natural talents. When we speak about
spiritual gifts, more often than not we are speaking
about what we may call ‘supernatural additions’ to our
lives – God himself giving us an ability to do things
that we wouldn’t normally be able to do. They are
gifts of the Holy Spirit.
But at the same time we should pause to
acknowledge that God has given to us many natural
gifts, and at times when these gifts are yielded to
God, they can become a blessing. We offer what
we have and God does the rest. But the gift of
faith is when you have nothing to offer God.
What is your natural gifting? Acknowledge it is from
God, wait on it, and develop it before God, and
you will be surprised where it will take you. David
might have been smaller than his brothers, but he
had physical ability. He could deal with a lion that
attacked the sheep. Alongside that he developed the
ability for strategic thinking. Later on in life it led to
military prowess, leadership activity, and strength
of character.
And I think also that David had an ability to love,
to connect with and appreciate others. We read
that God gave him beautiful relationships. He had a
wonderful relationship with Jonathan, a covenant-
type relationship, and so God used him in that way.
It seems that David had an ability, whatever state he
found himself in, to be content. As he developed his
trust in God we don’t read about him complaining or
harbouring bitterness, despite being badly treated.
Maybe you recognise David’s situation and are
tempted to be discontented with your life; you feel
unrecognised, unappreciated or unacknowledged.
You could be a David in waiting. Do not despise
Revival Times September 2017 7