1 Samuel 17:28 When Eliab, David’s older brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, “Why have you come down here? ….I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle.”
I find it absolutely beautiful that God know our hearts. He sees not only our actions but also our intentions. Other people, for various reasons, might ascribe all kinds of motives to our actions, but God knows our hearts. He understands our why. And, hopefully, He is at the center of everything we do. It is only then that He can use us most effectively.
1 Samuel 17:39 …“I cannot go in these… because I am not used to them.”
But it is vitally important that we come to Him as ourselves. He knit us together in our mother’s womb. He created us exactly as we are for a divine purpose. He can’t use us as effectively if we are masquerading as someone we are not. But it often takes great strength to say to others, even those with every good intention, “I will be much more effective if I am myself, no frills, no airs, no illusions. God can more effectively use me that way.”
1 Samuel 17:47 “…for the battle is the LORD’s….”
Lord, Thank You for this day and for the reminder that You created us for a divine purpose and You can and will use us most effectively when we are authentically ourselves, ignoring any negativity and not putting on airs, pretending to be something we are not. Give us the courage to be ourselves so that we can shine Your light brightly for all to see. Draw us closer. Give us strength. Amen.
Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Have a blessed day. I love you.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.