The Appointed But Reluctant Leader | 1 Samuel 10:6

Are you embracing your calling with spiritual confidence or reluctantly?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are in 1 Samuel 10. I've titled this chapter "The Appointed But Reluctant Leader."

The key verse of this chapter is verse 6, which reads:

Then the Spirit of the Lord will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man. — 1 Samuel 10:6

This entire chapter is interesting to read. It starts with Samuel's very detailed prophecy about Saul's journey home. Then Saul heads home, and the Spirit falls upon him as he goes. When he gets home, Saul conceals his impending appointment as king of Israel. Samuel then gathers the nation to select the next king, and after a lot of lots cast, the lot falls to Saul. But Saul cannot be found when called upon because he is hiding in some pile of baggage or equipment and is reluctantly dragged out before the people. What we discover is Saul is an anointed and appointed but reluctant leader.

Yet smack dab in the middle of this experience, we read that the Spirit of the Lord would rush upon Saul and change him into another man. Strange right?

So, let's make some notes about the Spirit and his work through time.

In the Old Testament, the falling of the Spirit upon individuals was rare but critical. It marked God's empowerment for specific moments and tasks. Saul's experience in this text was momentary, divinely confirming him as the first king. But while rare in the Old Testament, this event foreshadows a greater reality for believers in the New Testament age. After Jesus's ascension came the descent of the Spirit at Pentecost, and from this moment forward, every believer receives the sustaining power and presence of the Spirit for living the spiritual life.

I meet believers all the time who feel insecure about their spiritual gifts and calling. Like Saul, we are called but concerned and, therefore, feel some initial intimidation. But we must remember and believe that the Spirit not only rushes upon us momentarily but resides within us permanently. He is apportioned to us to empower us for God's work.

Today, if you feel intimidated about the work God has called you to do, stop defaulting to trusting in your feelings about the feat before you. Trust in the sustaining power of the Spirit so you don't react like Saul. As you will see in this chapter, it would be stupid for the tallest man in all the land to hide in the baggage when he was anointed and appointed the king of Israel. In the same way, it would be stupid for you to trust in your feelings over the incredible power of God's Spirit that lives within you. The Spirit that lives in you is the same person and power that raised Jesus from the dead. So stop cowering and hiding today. Come out from behind the baggage. With a Spirit-filled confidence, step into the tasks God has for you because the Spirit of the Risen Savior resides within you.

#SpiritualCalling, #EmbraceYourCalling, #SpiritEmpowerment

Ask This: How can you actively recognize and embrace the presence of the Holy Spirit in your daily life, especially when faced with challenges or opportunities for leadership? Reflecting on Saul's initial reluctance, what steps can you take to overcome insecurity or inadequacy when God calls you to lead or serve? Do This:

Trust the Spirit, not your feelings.

Pray This:

Father, empower me with Your Spirit today so that I may embrace Your calling confidently and courage, stepping boldly into the tasks You have appointed for me. Help me to trust in Your presence within me, guiding me through every challenge and opportunity. Amen.

Play This:

Same God.