Acts 13:22, "God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.'"

Think

"Whatever you are going through, by God's grace, you are going through." Have you heard the story of David versus Goliath? It's the ultimate story of the underdog becoming the unquestioned champion. But David's story began much earlier than this battle against the big behemoth. David began as a shepherd boy, resigned to tending his father's sheep. Far away from the spotlight, no one would ever guess that he would eventually become the greatest king in Israel's history. Yet, that's exactly what happened. How? Because David understood something we all need to understand – that passionately pursuing God is the only way to become who we are created to be. He saw his position as a shepherd boy as a temporary training ground to becoming the man God wanted him to be. God said that David was "a man after my own heart." It wasn't because David was perfect. After all, he committed some grievous sins. What made him stand out, however, was the fact that he always looked to God, whether he was getting back up from a terrible fall or riding high on his success. Whatever position you are in right now, remember that God is using it to prepare you. Use this time and this place as a training ground for what God has next for you!

Act

Think back over the last 12 months. What has God brought you through that has helped you get to where you are now? Write a simple prayer of thanks to God, and ask him to help you see your current situation as something that he is using to prepare you for what is ahead.

Pray

God, I know that you have a purpose for me, now and in the future. Help me to see this time in my life as a training ground. Give me the discipline and commitment to following your plan so I can become who you want me to be. Amen.