…….Look, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a mighty man of valour, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a handsome person; and the Lord is with him…….(1Sam. 16:18)

Last week, we talked about how a certain man called Bezaleel went from being a nobody to becoming a somebody, by being part of the success story of the building of the tabernacle in Ex.31:1-5. He was celebrated in the scriptures, not for how well he could preach or pray, but for the use of His God given talent in the work of God’s building. When you use your gifts and talents for God and the expansion of His kingdom, it will take you places beyond your imagination.

The case of David in the passage above, is a classical example from the Word of God. At that particular time in Israel, King Saul was going through a terrible season of his life. He had continually disobeyed God’ s directions and so had been rejected as King by Him, (although he still remained as king physically). As a result of this, the Spirit of God had left him and an evil sprit had taken possession of him completely. This then led to his being in a distressed and depressed mental state and  probably made him to start acting like a mad man. On seeing this, his servants had commented in 1Sam.16:15……..Surely a distressing spirit from God is troubling you…. To this effect, they advised him to look for a man who was a skillful player of the harp who could play for him, so that he would be well. Saul agreed to this counsel and the search was out for such a man.

Before now, a certain young boy called David, who could not have been more that eighteen years of age was faithfully tending his father’s sheep day after day. He was also a skilled player of the harp, and must have played to the sheep everyday. The more he played, even without any human audience, the more he became better at playing the harp. Little did he know that this musical gift and ability he had would one day take him before the king of the land! It is possible that on one of such occasions, some passers-by heard the beautiful music as he played. One of such people would have been Saul’s servant, who gave him David’s resume as follows…….Look, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing……(1Sam.16:18). On hearing this,  Saul immediately sent for David, and the moment he set eyes on him, David found favour before him and he immediately made him his  armour bearer (1Sam.16:21).This is a position every young man in the nation of Israel at that time would have dreamt to have. It is like being the President’s personal or Special assistant in our days. David got the post on a platter of gold, all because his gift announced him!

Dear friend, there are great lessons to learn from the life of David as it relates to our gifts and natural abilities. First of all, whatever gift God has placed within you, look for ways for expressing it, even if there is no immediate gratification. Also, ensure you become skillful in the use of your gift. Whatever your talent might be, you can look for courses to take that can help you sharpen your skill. Thirdly, whatever opportunity you have to express your gift, do it with all your heart. You never know who might be listening to you, or watching you, it could be someone who has acess to the king of the land. Remember, Prov. 18:16 says…….A man’s gift will make room for him.

May your gift make room for you now and always in Jesus mighty name.