14 May

Carried on to Completion

posted by Lisa Huddleston

“King Hiram of Tyre sent envoys to David. … Then David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel.” 2 Samuel 5:11-12

If you were asked to describe yourself to someone who knows nothing about you, where would you begin? You may decide to use words that detail your relationships with others such as daughter, brother, husband, friend, or Christian, or you may choose words that tell what you do: artist, engineer, student, writer, or athlete. Both are good choices as they provide your new acquaintance with two aspects of what makes you you. But, how would you choose which titles to use? Obviously, you would try to pick those which are most accurate and would be easily recognized as true by those who know you best. For instance, if you never sing anywhere except in your shower, you probably would not choose to introduce yourself as a singer. However, if you serve on your church’s praise team or are the lead singer in a band, then singer would be a great title to choose. Your gifts have been acknowledged, and you have received recognition by other musicians. Therefore, yes, you are a singer.

Although David had been anointed by God’s prophet when he was just a young man, he had never really felt like the King of Israel. Saul had treated him like a criminal. He had been forced to hide in the wilderness and live as an exile. There were many titles he would have claimed as his own: shepherd, musician, warrior, giant killer; but, until Hiram, the King of Tyre, recognized David and provided materials to build his palace, he did not actually know in his heart that he was a king. Recognition by one who knew what he was talking about convinced David that God had indeed called him to be king and to lead His people Israel. After many years and many trials, David finally became King David.

You may be asking how all this applies to you. You’ll never be a king, right? Well, what titles are waiting for you to claim them? What dreams have been anointed in your heart but are still awaiting recognition in order for you to know that the Lord has established them for you? Don’t hide them away until they eventually die from malnutrition. Nurture what God has begun in you and allow Him to bring them to fruition for the recognition of others, the sake of His kingdom, and His glory. You know, it wasn’t just so that he could live in a palace and wear a crown that David became king. It was for the benefit of the people of Israel, to further the kingdom of God, and to accomplish God’s expressed will. Not for selfish gain, but for God’s glory.

What is God asking you to do? Do you have dreams or gifts that you are hiding or haven’t even recognized? Ask God to show them to you, seek the training or practice you may need to develop them, and look for opportunities to serve those around you. If your desires are anointed by Him then you can be “sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6).

You are the Gifter and the Giver of Dreams. Thank You for anointing my heart with hope and placing gifts in me to be used for Your glory and for the benefit of Your kingdom. Please, reveal the work you have established for me and empower me to serve as You ordain. In Your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Filed in: Dreams, Ministry, Responding to God