There is a TV show in England similar to our country’s “American Idol”.  People in England have the opportunity to showcase their talents with the hope of winning the grand prize of a hundred thousand dollars.

     One of the biggest surprises was a middle age single woman who stunned all of the judges with her musical talent.  She sang with a powerful and beautiful voice.  The audience and judges were amazed.

     I heard that over 100 million people have watched her performance on the internet.  From an obscure Scottish village, this woman suddenly captured the attention of the world.

     In many ways, this reminds me of the story of King David in the Bible.  He was an unknown young man who tended his father’s sheep on the hills of Bethlehem.  One day a famous Old Testament Prophet named Samuel came to his father’s house looking for a new King for the nation of Israel.  (I Samuel 16)  David was the youngest of eight boys in the family.  He is the one that was selected by Samuel as the next King of Israel.

     In II Samuel chapter 7, David expresses his amazement in a prayer to God.  In that prayer he says, “Who am I that you (God) would select me from shepherding sheep in obscure village of Bethlehem to become the Shepherd of a nation”?  That is a good question!  Why would God select an unknown young shepherd to lead an entire nation?

     I’m sure that you feel like I do.  Who am I, that God would choose to use me in some way?  But, that is exactly what God does.  He delights to take ordinary people like you and me, and use us to do extraordinary things for Him!

     When we see our lives from this perspective, it adds new value to the work we do.  It gives us a sense of purpose as we raise a family or help a neighbor.  Our simple acts of kindness can make a big difference in the lives of others. 

     You may feel insignificant and unimportant in the place where you work or live.  But, God can use you to make a difference in the lives of others, if you do it for Him.

     I hope you will take time to dust off your Bible this week and read more of the life of David.  Use the table of contents to find II Samuel chapter seven.  Take time to read and reflect on this remarkable man named David.  His humility will encourage you.  His perspective will surprise you.