I Samuel 16:18

I have seen the son of Jesse, who is skillful.

“Keep preparing yourself.”

David didn’t suddenly become an expert marksman with a slingshot when Goliath showed up, or a master harpist when King Saul invited him to the palace. He took the long, slow, disciplined route. David had no idea what his future held. He simply found and joy and fulfillment in discovering and developing his gifts.

Your greatest obstacle to personal growth isn’t ignorance; it’s the illusion of knowledge. It’s in believing you’ve arrived. When that happens, you’re done! In which ‘zone’ do you live?

Challenge Zone: I attempt to do what I haven’t done before.

Comfort Zone: I only do what I already know I can do.

Coasting Zone: I don’t even do what I’ve done before.

Phillips Brooks said, “Sad will be the day for any man when he becomes contented with the thoughts he is thinking and the deeds he is doing - where there is not forever beating at the doors of his soul some great desire to do something larger; which he knows he was meant and made to do.”

David’s brothers knew his skills, yet none of them told King Saul about him. Be encouraged, you’ll get there without them! Then one of Saul’s servants said, “Look, I have seen the son of Jesse . . . who is skillful in playing, a mighty man of valor.

David didn’t compete with his brothers or complain about his status as a sheepherder. He just kept developing his relationship with God and sharpening his skills. And when the time was right, God promoted him. So, keep preparing yourself.