Utilize

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When minding the sheep David did not fritter the time away, rather he seized this time, intentionally using it to establish a strong relationship with God that he drew on later in life. He also practiced playing the harp which ushered him into the royal palace to soothe Saul’s spirit (1 Sam 16:16-23). He was courageous in killing a lion and bear that were attacking the sheep and being an accurate shot with the sling was decisive in conquering Goliath (1 Sam 17:34-37,50). Little did he know the foundations of his extraordinary life – of being one “who served God in his generation” – were being formed out in the fields minding a few sheep (Act 13:36). Don't despise the day of small beginnings, God only knows the final outcome (Zech 4:10).

Make the most of your time, abilities, money to serve and advance the Kingdom of God in obedience to His leading, remembering we are answerable for all we do and don’t do (Rom 14:12). The resources that God has permitted us to have are not limitless. We can squander them or utilize

Evaluate what’s ‘in your hand’ – Exodus 4:2. Could it be used for Christ?

for good what’s available. In the parable of the talents Jesus commended those who made the best use of their resource (Mt 25:14-28). It may only be a boy’s meagre lunch, yet when given to Jesus it can feed a multitude (Mk 6:41-44).

Turn to your advantage the opportunities and experiences that come your way in life, knowing it is through the hard times we often develop a much deeper relationship with God. We can “Bless the Lord at all times” confident that “All things work together for good…” (Ps 34:1; Rom 8:28).

Unpleasant things will happen to us, and our response determines if we benefit by becoming more like our Saviour through the outworking of the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:29; Gal 5:22,23). Utilize the ‘discipline of the Lord’ by learning from it (Heb 12:6-11). Ask for His help to overcome the difficulties and then be diligent to thank Him for His hand on your life, acknowledging it is His doing – “The Lord has done this and it is marvellous in our eyes” (1 Sam 7:12; Ps 118:23; Isa 42:8; Mk 12:11).