You're Being Prepared For What's Next

Don't despise your present position. This may not be your destination, but it is part of your preparation.
While visiting Kenya we happened upon a shepherd boy one day. My host explained to me that because he was a shepherd he would always be looked down upon. He wouldn't go to school with his brothers and sisters. He wouldn't eat with the family at meal time. His clothing would always be tattered from a life outdoors. To be chosen as the shepherd was to be given a difficult lot in life. History tells us that in the first century shepherds were so looked down upon they couldn't testify in court. They were considered too untrustworthy. When Joseph was bringing his family to Egypt we find the words, "every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians." Genesis 46:34. 
We know that David also was chosen as a shepherd. When Samuel came to Jesse's home in search of the next king of Israel David wasn't even invited to the table. He was out taking care of the sheep. Yet, it was David who was chosen. David's time with the sheep prepared him to face Goliath and later he would become King. It would have been easy to have become bitter for being chosen as the shepherd. Yet, God had a plan. In your own life remember that your present position may not be your destination, but it is part of your preparation. Keep growing, God has more for you.

Following the Son,

James A Williams

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