Serving Saul

In 1 Samuel 16, an eager 18 year old David was hired into King Saul’s administration. Tragically, Saul had lost God’s endorsement and was inevitably on his way out. He was brutally unfair, ungodly, insecure, bitter, jealous, and seriously mentally ill. Yet, David had to learn submission under a has-been king simply because God assigned him there.

Part of God’s preparation for David was for him to work under an unfit and unfair “boss.” Yet, David's responses were critical to his future. God was developing him under poor leadership. When Saul acted harmfully, David responded lovingly. When he did his Job, he wasn’t rewarded. When he did the right thing, Saul literally tried to kill him.

If you are a leader that is fully surrendered to God’s plan, you must be willing to walk the path HE has chosen. You don’t get to choose your assignment. The way of the man of God isn’t cushy. A Godly assignment will be both a field and a furnace. It will be a field of productivity for you, but it will also be a furnace where God is producing something in you.

In Genesis 39, Joseph learned the same lessons working under his Egyptian slave owner Potifar. Even in the harshest of environments, he excelled in everything he set his hand to do and was eventually promoted as the Governor of Egypt. Leaders who become anything of substance have learned, at some point, to serve under unfair and even toxic leaders.

Young leader: you must learn patience, perseverance, and humility. Thus, you will most likely have to honor and serve under not-so-worthy leaders in order to earn Godly promotion. Yet, God sees all. Don't delay or derail your destiny by rebelling or acting rashly. Be certain, on the road to becoming a king, you will have to serve a few Sauls along the way.