Sheep herding was the lowest job you could have; but day after day, in that place where no one saw him, David developed some things… He developed faithfulness; he was faithful in the little matters. That's something that you can develop when no one knows who you are. How many believe God's got a significant plan for your life? Right now, the world doesn't know you; one day it might, but today, when you're not known, is the day to do what David did, and develop faithfulness in the little matters of life.
Secondly, he developed a deep personal relationship with the Lord, when no one saw him. Thirdly, he developed his character - courage and integrity, when no one was looking.
Right now, when the world doesn't know you, or even see there's much good in you; perhaps you're struggling with all kinds of issues… nevertheless, you can do what David did, and develop an intimate relationship with the Lord - while no one is looking. You can develop faithfulness - whatever little tasks you're given, see that you do it. If you give your word, then keep your word. If you're given a little job, you it well. This is where you're learning for the great things.
Finally, you can learn to develop courage, because all of us have conflicts or issues to face - and that's where you learn courage.
You don't learn it when everyone's watching... When the crowd is watching you, and you make a courageous stand, it costs you something. You can learn these things now. There’s no use seeking greatness; seek to know God, and develop great character, and then God will make the other things begin to happen.
The first season was Bethlehem, the place where no one sees you; where you learn devotion to God, develop faithfulness, and grow in your character, and courage, and integrity. Now we look at Gibeah - the second place, the place of promotion.
Psalm 75:6-7 – “For exaltation comes neither from the east, nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the Judge; He puts down one, and exalts another”
Promotion means people get to know who you are. You get to be popular, and out where people see you. People like promotion! Promotion means more pay, usually - it's a wonderful thing to get promoted, but the Bible's telling us here that God brings about promotion in your life.
I have observed this, in watching people, that in the hearts of many people, there's a struggle for recognition. They want to be noticed, and to get somewhere. What they do is in their own efforts, so they struggle, and manipulate, and try to maneuver, so that they can get themselves into position where they've got influence or significance.
Listen, the Bible's very clear on that. God will promote you - if you will do the things that you need to do. If you're struggling for promotion, then you'll be afraid of everyone else who looks better than you; but if you can actually put your life in the hands of the Lord, and say: Lord, when I'm ready, then you will change this season. I can move from this thing to something else, but right now, I will stay where I am - being faithful and devoted, developing integrity and character; and then when it's the right time, you will lift me up.
This works everywhere in the world. If you get into a job situation - do your job well! If you are faithful, diligent, and see to the details - that boss can't keep you in that role too long; you must come up! The Bible says: every man talks about his own goodness, but a faithful man, who can find? A person who will just do the job, and get it done, with no hidden agendas. If you do things with a hidden agenda, then eventually, your agenda will be exposed. I just serve because I love the Lord. I serve in the big things; serve in the little things.