Everything that happens in our lives serves a purpose in God’s greater plan.
Psalm 89:19-29
The Lord chose David to be His servant and actively prepared him for that calling. By following the various stages of his life—from the things he experienced as a simple shepherd boy to his achievements as a heroic ruler—we can trace how the Lord prepared David to be used mightily.
Shepherd: At the time when David was actually anointed king, he hadn’t yet been in authority over anything besides sheep (1 Sam. 16:1-13). His humble position was the starting place for training to become God’s servant as king of Israel.
Psalmist: David suffered many afflictions on his way to the throne, and his writings reveal how those troubles drew him to God. His psalms provide intimate glimpses of the God he knew and trusted deeply.
Commander: King Saul put David in charge of his army but later turned against the young man. While hiding from Saul, he led a band of mighty men (1 Chron. 12). Long before David became king, God used these soldiers to defeat foreign enemies and protect the people of Judah.
The Lord is working in your life as well, shaping you into His servant. Your hardships and setbacks have a place in His plan, and He’s using them to train you for what lies ahead.