Devotional

Training Camp

Ready 

"He chose David his servant and took him from the sheep pens; he brought him from tending ewes to be shepherd over his people Jacob—over Israel, his inheritance."-- Psalm 78:70-71

Set 

Often, when an athlete has an amazing performance, the media will interview the athlete’s coaches and teammates with questions or comments like, “Did you know Joe was capable of playing like that?” “You must be shocked to see Abigail have such a breakout performance.”

The responses are fairly typical: “Everyone on this team knows Joe is capable of playing like that because we see it in practice every day.” “None of her teammates are shocked with Abigail’s performance because we see her work ethic day in and day out.”

Every successful competitor chooses the path of hard work even when no one is watching. Many famous coaches and athletes can point to humble beginnings when they anonymously, but faithfully, trained and sacrificed to improve. 

David was one of those guys. Before he was King David, he was shepherd boy David. Before he was famous, he was forgotten. But he wasn’t forgotten by God. The Lord had David in training camp—serving daily, faithfully, and anonymously in ways that many would find “beneath them.” Yet, through doing the everyday—and sometimes mundane—tasks, David developed the character and skills he utilized when he served as king. 

Go 
  • Do you focus more on being faithful now or on future opportunities?
Workout 

Matthew 25:23; Colossians 3:23–24

Overtime 

Lord, help me focus on being faithful to You where You have me now instead of looking ahead for future promotions and successes. Teach me Your ways so I am fully ready for anything You ask of me. Amen.