Friday, May 25, 2012

Baggage


I'm spending some time this summer studying the life of David. Today's reading involved the selection of Saul as King. You can read about it in 1 Samuel 10:17-25. Basically there's a narrowing of the field by tribe, by clan, by family and eventually down to the choice of Saul. Saul knew he would be chosen. The funny thing is he hid when the announcement was being made! Verse 22 says, "So they inquired further of the Lord, "Has the man come here yet?" and the Lord said, "Yes, he has hidden himself among the baggage."

This struck me as humorous, because I too try to hide from God in the baggage. Not literally of course, but too often figuratively. When I feel like God is calling me to do something I can always come up with an excuse as to why He should use someone else. I yell at my kids. I don't know those people. I don't have the money. I'm not qualified. These are just some of the thoughts and responses that I'll give to ignore and disobey what God is asking of me. Do you do that?

Just like Saul, I try to hide in the baggage. It's easy to do that with other people, but we can't do that with God. He knows exactly where we are. He knows exactly who He wants for the task. The real question is: are we willing to let it go and say yes?

2 comments:

SheilaG @ Plum Doodles said...

Great insight, Bridget. Unfortunately, I hide amongst my baggage way too often. There's a certain level of comfort in the "known." :)

Rhonda said...

"I know i live in hell, but I know the names of all the streets." Read this quote in Dr. Henry Cloud's book "Necessary Endings". It's an excellent book and this quote is so true. We know the 'baggage' we hide in isn't the best for us, but it is familiar. The thought of living without it is to scary. Great post! Love you!