“God always develops us first before He develops our vision. If we don’t understand this, we will resist Him, get frustrated, and ultimately end up disappointed and disillusioned.”- Banning Liebscher
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”- 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)
As Banning Liebster concludes Chapter 1 of Rooted, he underscores the main thing God wanted David rooted in. He desired to establish a deep and abiding trust in David’s life. Therefore, God prepared David in three different soils.
1. The soil of intimacy. As a shepherd in the field, David built: (a) a relationship with God through prayer and worship; (b) dependence on God as he privately battled lions and bears; and (c) a secret-place lifestyle.
2. The soil of serving. During his two-decade rooting process, David humbly served his father, brothers, and King Saul. That posture, in turn, positioned David to receive God’s grace. Furthermore, David chose to trust God to promote him. As a result, he didn’t take matters into his own hands nor attempt to prove himself.
3. The soil of community. While holed up in the cave of Adullam with four hundred men, David learned to:
- truly lead others
- trust his friends and brothers as well as God
- encourage and inspire
- take hits
- model a standard of honor
- lead with a vision
Most noteworthy, each of these three soils provided different, yet equally necessary ingredients to develop and strengthen David’s root system. And if David needed to be planted in those three soils, so do we.
In addition, God starts the process right where you are and will get you to your proper destination. So, Pastor Lucado exhorts, embrace God’s root-building process. Choose to be a finisher who’s rooted.
Today’s question: How has the Lord developed you before developing your vision? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “The first key to thriving”
