“And the Lord said, ‘Yes, he has hidden himself among the baggage.’”
I Samuel 10:22b

I had an assignment I wasn’t prepared for. Maybe, just maybe, I thought, if I stay as still and quiet as can be behind the tall kid in front of me, and don’t say a peep when my name is called, she won’t notice I’m here.
The bell rang signaling the start of my literature class and roll was being called. I decided to carry out my plan. Jennifer Eastham… Jennifer Eastham… *crickets*…

It worked. She moved on to the next name and I stayed slunk down in my chair, trying my best not to make eye contact with anyone.

How in the world I got away with that, I will never know. I have three thoughts though – maybe I was that overlooked and unnoticed that this teacher seriously didn’t know who I was (complete possibility), or God just had complete mercy on this unprepared senior, or maybe Ms. Riffe had some compassion, realizing that if I was willing to do something so silly as to skip class while actually being there, there must be a good reason.

The answer will remain a mystery.

Sometimes hiding seems like an attractive plan, but it is just a temporary non-solution that delays the very thing we need to face.
In Scripture, Saul, the first king of Israel, had a similar experience, only he didn’t quite get away with it.

Saul sometimes gets a bad rap, because we know how badly things ended for him. But remember that in the beginning of his story, he was chosen. And not just chosen, chosen by God. The Israelites wanted a king like all the other nations, and God gave them what they asked for.

God told the prophet Samuel that Saul from the tribe of Benjamin was the one he had chosen and gave Samuel specific instructions for Saul.

Saul’s father had sent him on a mission to look for some lost donkeys, and all in God’s timing, he went to see Samuel for help in finding them.

While Samuel was visited by Saul, he anointed Saul’s head, and then told him that he will be the leader of God’s people. He gave him some specific instructions, and told him things God was going to do for and through him.

Then it was announced to all of Israel that God was choosing a king for his people. The people gathered together to find out who would lead them. As it was narrowed down to a particular tribe, then to a particular clan, and finally a particular person, that guy was nowhere to be found.

They asked the Lord where he was, and God pointed him out.

“And the Lord said, ‘Yes, he has hidden himself among the baggage.’” I Samuel 10:22b

Saul was hiding.

But unlike Ms. Riffe, God pointed out where Saul was. He had called him to a position and expected him to get the job done. This wasn’t the time to cower behind some luggage.

Was Saul feeling inadequate for the task? Did he feel too much pressure? Was the job too big?

I don’t know what was going through his head, but I know those are the sorts of thoughts I have when faced with a job I don’t feel equipped to get started. And it is tempting to hide behind some metaphorical luggage – avoiding that phone call, dodging that person, ‘forgetting’ to make that appointment.

Know that if God is calling you to do a job, he will give you what you need to get it done.

No matter how big the assignment, or how small you feel, God is big and God is faithful. He can get it done, we just have to get on board.

If there is something you know God is calling you to do – an assignment with your name written all over it – go to Him. Pray for courage and pray for wisdom. Offer a prayer of thanks for Him trusting you with such an awesome responsibility, allowing you to be part of His work.

If you would like to leave a comment letting me know what I can pray about, please do. I would love to lift you up in prayer.

Father, thank You for trusting us with the assignments You have given us. Forgive us for the times we question and doubt. We know that You can work through us to complete your purpose. Give us the courage we need. Amen.
“…for it is God who works in you and to act according to his good purpose.”

Philippians 2:13