Hiding

Saul hid.

In and amongst a pile of sacks and supplies.

About to be publicly announced as Israel’s first king, he hid.

Afraid.

I chuckled when I read this (read it for yourself if you like. You’ll find it in 1 Samuel 9 & 10).

Because after they go and drag him out from where he’s hiding, Samuel announces, “Do you see the man the Lord has chosen? There is no one like him among the people.” (1 Sam. 10:24)

I picture Saul covered in dust and dirt from where he’s been hiding. Perhaps his hair is a little dishevelled. Maybe a bit of embarrassment on his face. Looking a bit sheepish.

And Saul says (and I paraphrase): “See this man….he’s the one…God’s chosen king for you!”

Folks, a thought…

Feelings of inadequacy can cause us to fear, which in turn leads us to hide.

Let me explain…

Saul felt inadequate - when Samuel had first spoken to him, Saul had said: “But am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin?” (1 Sam. 9:21)

When we feel inadequate, we can fear what we might be asked to do.

We fear being asked or called to do something that will require us to confront our feelings of inadequacy.

So we hide.

We shrink back.

We seek safety in the shadow of others.

We retreat into our comfort zone…our safe place.

We tell ourselves we can’t.

Maybe we hear God calling us to something…

To a new path.

To learn a new skill.

To take a course to prepare ourselves for what he has next for us.

To explore a new ministry.

To serve in a particular way at church.

To come alongside a friend in need.

To share our faith with a colleague.

To pursue a relationship.

Or something differently entirely.

And we feel inadequate.

And afraid.

And so we hide.

But Saul is called out of hiding. God’s calling on him is affirmed.

Despite how Saul feels about himself, God has called him.

Folks, God knows you better than you know yourself.

Not only does He know you, but He knows what He wants to do in you and through you.

And God’s purposes are good.

His call on you…to you…is always good. Will always lead to good.

Responding to His call won’t always be easy. But it will always be good.

Trusting God with our feelings of inadequacy…trusting Him with our fears…will always lead to good things for us.

Part of my story is fighting feelings of inadequacy. Of being afraid. Of hiding.

But as God has grown me, He’s taught me to come out of hiding.

To trust Him in and with my inadequacies and fears.

To believe that He is able.

To allow Him to be at work in me and through me.

To choose faith. Not fear.

Folks, is there anything you’re hiding from?