The answers David received
Psalm 78:71~72 From tending the sheep he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel his inheritance. And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them. (71~72)
Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #524 Come to the Savior, Make no Delay (#313 in previous version)
David possessed two kinds of strength. First, it was his acquired skill in slinging stones and second, it was the assurance that God was with him. David had developed the skill of slinging stones as a shepherd who had tended to the sheep, yet his skill had advanced to the extent to which he was able to defeat a lion and save the lamb caught in its mouth. Also, David was able to communicate with God and wrote songs confessing his faith for the Lord. This served to be David’s unique method in achieving spiritual strength.
1. Beginning of answers
When David had been called by God, he was a mere shepherd who protected his sheep. When David was trying his very best to fulfill his responsibilities as a shepherd and enjoyed the spiritual mystery, God already had the plan of placing Israel in his very hands (Psalms 78:71). I must prepare what is most imperative in my school, workplace, and field. In the tasks that I am currently responsible for, I must build my skills and talents and take everything as an opportunity; if I deeply communicate with God through the mystery of prayer, these things will come as the result. This is the mystery that David utilized, and what God desires from us.
2. Process of answers
Samuel approached David and anointed him with oil. After that day, the Spirit of the Lord filled David tremendously (1 Samuel 16:13). When David realized the vision that God had planned for him, his life was completely changed. He realized the value of the Ark of the Covenant that had been stolen by the Philistines and commenced the construction of the temple to house the Ark of the Covenant. You must realize the vision of evangelism and missions that God has prepared for you. At that moment, like David, your life will be in the hands of God.
3. Reason for receiving answers
David possessed a reason to fight Goliath (Samuel 17:29). While others trembled in fear before Goliath who mocked the Lord, David was different. He realized that the reason for the skill he had acquired in slinging stones as a shepherd was to seize the opportunity now. It wasn’t that David’s courage derived from a rebellious and curious nature that pertains to the youth, but his eyes were open to see the entire age. His slingshot skills defeated Goliath in an instant, and God’s name and power were made known to the entire world.
-Do I have a reason to receive answers? Do you know the reason why God has called you? Deeply meditate upon this and record everything. If there is a reason, then today, your life will be completely changed. Japan Remnant Conference Lecture 2 / 2012.3.29