The Unadvertised Resume

Focus: 1 Samuel 16:18 (KJV): "Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him." 

When we are faithful to God in secret, He will cause our reputation, character, and skills to speak for us in public, opening doors that no human hand can shut. King Saul was tormented by a distressing spirit, and his advisors suggested finding a skilled musician to play the harp to bring the king relief. Suddenly, an unnamed servant speaks up and drops a flawless, six-fold recommendation for a young shepherd boy named David. He was "cunning in playing"—he had mastered his craft; he was a "mighty valiant man" and a "man of war;" he was "prudent in matters"—wise beyond his years in communication; he was a "comely person," carrying himself with dignity; and, most importantly, "the LORD is with him." David did not have a professional public relations team. He was not networking in the palace or trying to climb the social ladder. He was out in the wilderness, smelling like sheep, writing songs for an audience of One, and fighting lions and bears when no one was watching. Yet, because God was with him, his reputation traveled from the lonely pastures straight into the royal court.

Joseph spent over a decade as a slave and a prisoner in Egypt for crimes he did not commit. He could have grown lazy, bitter, or sloppy. Instead, he treated the prison like a platform for excellence, managing the facility so well that the keeper of the prison put him in charge of everything. Just like the unnamed servant in David's story, a royal chief butler suddenly remembered Joseph during Pharaoh's dream crisis. The butler told Pharaoh about a young Hebrew man in prison who was uniquely gifted in interpreting dreams. Pharaoh instantly summoned Joseph from the dungeon. When Joseph stepped into the palace, his prudence, wisdom, and the undeniable reality that the Spirit of God was with him were on full display. Like David, Joseph didn't campaign for the job of prime minister; his secret faithfulness and divine backing made him impossible to ignore.

Take a look at your current assignments—even the ones that feel small, lonely, or unimportant. Practice your skills, do your job with absolute excellence, and master your responsibilities when no one is looking. Your hidden preparation dictates your public promotion. Of all the traits listed about David, the most important was: "the LORD is with him." Do not chase after titles, status, or human approval today. Focus entirely on building a deep, intimate relationship with God, because His presence is your greatest asset. Stop stressing about networking, forcing doors open, or trying to get noticed by people in power. Let God be your publicist. If He is with you, He will cause the right people to speak your name in the right rooms at the exact right time.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I thank you that you see me when I am in the hidden fields of life. Forgive me for the times I have grown impatient, chased after human applause, or neglected my secret preparation. Today, I commit to doing everything with excellence as unto you. Build my character, sharpen my skills, and give me prudence in my speech. Above all things, let your presence rest heavily upon my life, so that others can plainly see that the Lord is with me. I trust you to open the right doors for my future in your perfect timing, in Jesus' name, Amen.

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