Atypical AdviceSample

Being a shepherd isn’t so bad.

Figuring out what to do in life is hard, and after graduation, life seems to come at you full throttle. Maybe you’ve always known or just recently found out what God has called you to do in life. Maybe you’re still figuring it out. Or maybe the one thing you’re sure of is that where you are now is not where you want to be forever. 

Maybe you’re stuck at a job that feels less than spectacular and solely pays the bills. It doesn’t bring you much happiness. Maybe, like David, you got anointed and heard your calling from God, but you’re still in the pastures. Maybe you have no clue what to do and no clue how to figure it out. 

David, the giant-slayer and (eventual) king of Israel who was later called “a man after God’s own heart,” would likely give you this advice: Enjoy this current season. 

David was going to be king, but he started as a shepherd. And when Samuel first anointed him as king, David still had to wait a hot minute before he was actually sitting on any kind of throne. 

You may miss simpler times once you “make it big,” and this season or this place you’re in has a purpose. God sent you to work in the pastures and to be a shepherd for a reason. 

David used his experiences as a shepherd to slay Goliath. And if you think about it, as a king, he was still a shepherd. He was just leading and caring for a large nation of people rather than a literal flock of sheep. Your "now" is preparing you for your "later". 

In this season, you’re learning to lean on God, to trust Him, and to be grateful. We’d all love to just wake up and have it made one day. But God wants to grow us first. Just think: If you can’t remain faithful with the sheep He gave you now, how can He trust you with the hearts and lives of His people later? You have to be faithful with a little before He can trust you with a lot. 

So enjoy the current grind and hustle, because God is just helping you hone and sharpen the skills you’ll need later. You can’t reach purpose without preparation. 

Reflect: Think about past seasons that weren’t your fave. How did they prepare you for where you are now? Now, think about your current season. How might it be preparing you for your purpose? 

Pray: God, thank You for this current season of life. Thank You for preparing me for my purpose. Thank You for trusting me and growing me right me now as I ___. And I trust You, Lord. I believe that everything is working for my good and that You have a plan for my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.