Session 28

When what god asks feels impossible

From 1 Samuel: A 6-Week Devotional

Being named king or queen of something sounds pretty enticing, doesn't it? Perhaps images of fame and glory come to mind when we envision being placed in a position of power. We imagine the benefits, but we seldom think about the amount of pressure it takes to be a leader until we are called to be one.

In 1 Samuel, God calls Saul to be the first king of Israel. He was being called into a position of power and prestige, yet Saul was terrified. The responsibility seemed overwhelming, so he ran and hid among the baggage, hoping no one would notice his absence (1 Samuel 10:22).

As believers we may not physically run away when we feel overwhelmed, but we do hide from God’s calling on our life. Maybe we feel inadequate or that doing what God is asking will be too uncomfortable. We don’t want to fail, or we’re concerned about what others may think of us. We hide among our “baggage” and hope God will call someone more qualified.

What God calls us to do, He equips us to do.

We can move from feeling God’s calling is impossible to feeling responsible by learning 3 lessons from Saul’s story:

1. What God calls us to do, He equips us to do: What God is asking might seem impossible, but He will always provide us with clear directions (1 Samuel 10:25).
2. We need to answer the call: The baggage of our past isn’t for us to dwell in, but for us to stand upon. When we use our story for His glory, our baggage no longer confines us.
3. We are to support each other: Although Saul may not have felt worthy to answer God’s call, people gave him support (1 Samuel 10:24). We are called to support others in their calling. And, we can trust God will bring people into our lives to support us in ours.

Reflect

• What is one way you’ve hidden from God’s calling in the past? By claiming you are too busy? Too broken? Too frightened?
• What is one thing God is calling you to do? What is one step you need to take today to do what He is asking you to do?
• Who is one person you can go to for encouragement and support as you take that step? Who is one person you can support?