Encountering the Sauls in Our Lives

(Source : http://www.paintinghere.com/painting/Saul_Attacking_David_227.html)

"Don't be afraid," he said. "My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this." 1 Samuel 23:17

Have you ever had a dream or goal that someone in your life was jealous over? This could be a supervisor, spiritual leader, friend, or family member. Have you ever had a boss who may have seemed threatened with your anointing or gifting? This was the case for David.
 
Anointed to be king when he was just a boy, and serving under the reign of Saul, David evoked such jealousy in Saul as he grew older that Saul tried to kill him! But David stayed pure in heart in spite of Saul's schemes and found strength in God even in the midst of his circumstances. "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." -Psalm 73:26
 
There are some things that David did that we should consider emulating when we find ourselves in tough spots when it comes to bosses, co-workers, or friends who appear to be threatened or jealous. David never tried to overthrow Saul by his own strength. Although he had the chance to kill Saul, he never did because he knew if he did, he would be taking matters into his own hands. Saul eventually killed himself by falling on his own sword. (1 Samuel 31:4) David simply served Saul until it was time for him to become king. And God used these experiences to purify David's heart as well, and to test him.
 
Do you have people in your life who are like Sauls, (perhaps unknowingly) trying to discourage you from your purpose? Are you prepared to let God fight those battles for you and stay pure in heart, and focused on Him?

Finding Favor with God

"But the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.'" -Luke 1:30

What does it mean to be favored by God? How do we find favor (preference) with Him? In order to birth God's plans, we need to be people He can trust. Does God pick and choose His favorites to birth His plans on the earth? He is not a respecter of persons, but each of us is uniquely called to an assignment custom-tailored for us.

The Bible says when we seek God with all of our hearts we will find Him. (Deut 4:29) It also says David was a man after God's own heart (1 Sam 13:14). When we incline our heart to God and seek after Him in righteousness and truth, God sees that He can entrust us with more. We may think that God calls and chooses His "favored." But the fact is we can choose to be favored.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, found favor with God. But it was because of her worship and her attitude that God chose her. "The angel went to her and said, 'Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.'" -Luke 1:28

The first sign of God's favor is His presence. It is God's favor and presence on our lives that makes us more attractive to others, helping us to fulfill His assignments, and validating His will for us.

The angel tells Mary the plan. She responds in obedience. "'I am the Lord's servant,' Mary answered. 'May your word to me be fulfilled.'" Can you imagine how she must have felt? According to ancient history, Mary is said to be between 12 and 18 years old. She must have been terrified - but she responded in obedience and faith! She had a righteous, positive and God-honoring attitude.

We know the nature of Mary's character because of the way she responds to God's assignment:

* She glorifies and praises God
* She realizes how God has blessed her
* She reminds God of His character
* She remembers His promises (Luke 1:45-55)

Do you have the favor of God on your life? Have you responded positively to an assignment He has given you? May we all respond in obedience and faith as we receive God's plan and favor on our lives in order to birth God-given dreams.