When asked, “How are you doing?” (This question was concerning a specific area of my life.) I replied, “I feel like I could be doing something more significant.”  He commented back, “I think most of us feel the same way.”  The reply startled me since I didn’t realize he felt that way.  How did I miss this?  He does an incredible job of humbly accepting this stage as part of his life.  The conversation stuck with me for days.  Then while reading 1 Samuel chapters 9-10 I found great encouragement concerning the matter.

Saul’s father sent him on a mission to find lost donkeys.  Did Saul think he could be doing something more significant than chasing lost donkeys?

In his day, lost donkeys represented lost wealth.  Saul’s father could have sent the servants to collect the lost donkeys but he put Saul in charge of this effort.  Three days later the lost donkeys still had not been located but before giving up hope he sought the assistance of the prophet Samuel.    

What happened next leaves me in awe of God.  God used the 3 day donkey search to place Saul in the right place at the right time.  Saul would approach Samuel in search of donkeys.  Samuel would pour oil over Saul’s head anointing him to be the first king of Israel.  In an instant he went from chasing donkeys to the promise of becoming the future king. WOW!

I admit I feel like I am chasing donkeys.  My search has gone on a bit longer than three days.  How about you?  Are you chasing donkeys?   How long has your search taken?  

I find great comfort in knowing our donkey chase is setting us up for the fulfilment of the next thing God has for us!  Rather than wishing the donkey chase away, let’s use this season preparing for the next step.

My life verse for 2014 is Psalm 37: 4-5.  Let’s use this time to delight in the Lord, committing our ways to Him and trusting He will bring it to pass!

 “Donkey Family Image courtesy of franky242/FreeDigitalPhotos.net”

 Copyright©2014, Gloria Stucky