In what ways has God changed your life? For me, it was from a young, self-indulging hedonist to someone who wanted to bring God’s kingdom to unreached people in the world. I believe God has saved each one of us not only for eternal life, but to fulfil a very specific purpose in this world.
For Saul, it was to become the first king of Israel. A very specific purpose! But as a young man, Saul didn’t know that. At one stage, he was working on his father’s estate, taking care of animals. And when his father’s donkeys got lost, he set off with a servant in search of them. After three days of searching for the donkeys without success, they went to prophet Samuel to ask for directions. Little did he know how profoundly his life would change when he met the prophet. “Then Samuel took a flask of olive oil and poured it on Saul’s head and kissed him, saying, ‘Has not the Lord anointed you ruler over his inheritance?’” (1 Samuel 10:1 NIV).
In one moment, Saul’s life was changed from a donkey seeker to a kingdom ruler. God loves to change lives. He wants to continue to change our lives and the lives of those around us. And this will only happen when we change our focus in life from seeking donkeys, pleasure, riches, or comfort to doing what Jesus said, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33 NIV).
Stephan Smithdorff