If you haven’t read the full story of David & Goliath in awhile click here. You may also want to check out parts 1 -6 in this series.
When Saul saw David going out against the Philistine, he said to Abner, the commander of the army, “Abner, whose son is this youth?” And Abner said, “As your soul lives, O king, I do not know.” So the king said, “Inquire whose son this young man is.” Then, as David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took him and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand. And Saul said to him, “Whose son are you, young man?” So David answered, “I am the son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.” (I Samuel 17:55-58 NKJV)
Wait. What!?! Saul seriously doesn’t recognize David? Saul doesn’t recognize the boy who plays the harp for him (1 Samuel 16:14-23)? Saul doesn’t recognize the boy to whom he said, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are a youth…” (1 Samuel 17:33)? Saul doesn’t recognize the kid who just declined the king’s armor and walked out onto the battle field with a sling and a few stones (1 Samuel 17:38-40)? Seriously!?!
Yes, seriously, because when we are doing through the power of the Holy Spirit, others may not recognize us.
When we submit our lives to His authority God changes us and uses us for the better. Sometimes to the point where others no longer recognize us.
When we trust God enough to let go of old behaviors…
When we trust God enough to let Him clean us up…
When we trust God enough to set us on the right path…
When we trust God enough to fully obey Him…
When we trust God enough to let Him use us for His glory…
…those closest to us may sometimes think, “Who is that? What happened to her? She is not the same person she use to be?”
And that’s okay because it means we are being made new “according to God, in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24 NKJV).
Lord, I want to be made new. Please help me not to care what others think of me. Instead, help me to focus on You and to enjoy the changes You are doing in me. In Your name I pray. Amen.
I hope my thoughts help you understand how this Old Testament scripture can be applied to our modern lives, but don’t just take my word for it. Dive into The Bible yourself, pray, and ask the Lord to reveal His truth to you.
Have a question or a thought? Please feel free to leave a comment.