Can you ever remember a time when you knew you were getting your just desserts? The old saying ‘what goes around comes around’ seems to always ring true sooner or later. King Saul got his comeuppance in a cave where he thought he was alone relieving himself. David snuck up behind him and cut off a corner of his robe instead of taking his life when he had the chance.
When David confronted Saul and said, “Look at the corner of your robe in my hand, for I cut it off but I didn’t kill you” (1 Samuel 24:11) King Saul couldn’t help but think of the last time he was holding the corner of a robe. 1 Samuel 14:27 – “When Samuel turned to go, Saul tore the corner of his robe. The prophet Samuel said, ‘The Lord has torn the kingship of Israel away from you today and has given it to your neighbor who is better than you. Furthermore, the Eternal One of Israel does not lie or change his mind, for he is not a man who changes his mind.’
Those words, “the kingship has been torn away from you” no doubt rung in King Saul’s head when he saw David holding the corner of his robe. Saul was chosen by God to be King of Israel, but now the kingship was being given to David. It does seem very much like God changed his mind, but let’s take a second look. God chose Saul and gave him direction and instruction to lead his people successfully. Somewhere along the way, Saul put more trust in himself and disobeyed God.
God’s mind was not changed. His mind was resolved to have a King who would lead the Israelites in the way of the Lord. The mission didn’t change, only the missionary. God will accomplish what he has planned, but who he uses depends largely on our trust and obedience. If the person he has assigned the task will not get the job done, he will shift the assignment to a willing vessel.
This is what happened with Saul and David and this is what still happens with God’s people today. When the Lord gives you a word over your life it will keep “coming around”. In the most personal of ways, He will continue to remind you of what he has called you to do. But if you continue to ignore God’s call then your special assignment under heaven will start “going around” to others who will step up.
Not responding, putting off or simply ignoring God’s direction is disobedience. And since God is not changing his mind about what needs to be accomplished, he can simply put in another player that is warmed up and ready to go. The things God calls us to do are important and we are privileged to be asked by the Most High to work for His Kingdom.
What has God asked you and repeatedly reminded you to do? It won’t change, but if you accept the job, it will certainly change you! See, the more God can trust us to take on the assignments he gives you, the more tasks he will give you. “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much” Luke 16:10.
