Favor and Blessing

David’s father thought so little of him that he never even considered him when Samuel came to Bethlehem, looking for the next king (1 Samuel 16).

David’s brother, Eliab, thought so little of David that he accused him of “insolence” and “wickedness” when he approached others about the challenge presented by Goliath. Eliab thought that David was being irresponsible, leaving behind the family flocks (1 Samuel 17:28).

Yet, within a few short years, David went from a mere shepherd boy to becoming the king of Israel. Even though he had no military training, overnight he became Israel’s champion.

What caused this radical transition? The Bible says the key was that God was with him. And because of His blessings, “David became greater and greater.”

When Samuel first saw Eliab, he thought Eliab surely must be God’s choice as the next king. But God said He had rejected Eliab, because He looks at people not according to their appearance but their heart (1 Samuel 16:6-7).

God saw something in David that everyone else had missed. He saw a man with the right attitude…who was humble and yet fearless…who trusted in Him…and who was spiritually mature and sensitive to His presence.

David demonstrated the right path to receive God’s blessings and favor—the path that leads to promotion. It can be easy to focus on the honors and rewards of the world, but God directs us to walk in a completely different way.

In your life, remember that God’s path to success starts with acknowledging that He is with you! You must recognize that He is sovereign over everything, whether individuals or nations, businesses or governments. Like David, you need to focus on pleasing the Lord and seeking first His Kingdom. And don’t forget to Sow the Seeds you have been given, faithful to be a good steward of your resources.