It’s Not How I Thought it Would Look

2 Samuel

In the movie, “The Lion King” Prince Simba is in line to be the next king of the Pride Lands after his father Mufasa dies. While Simba is a cub, he sings out the famous song, “I just can’t wait to be king.” However, Scar, Mufasa’s evil brother, devises a plan that kills Mufasa so that he can take the throne for himself. Scar then tricks Simba into believing that he is responsible for his father’s death and forces him to flee the kingdom. Long story short, Simba goes on a long journey of self discovery meeting many friends along the way until he finally challenges Scar in an epic battle for his rightful place as king. It looked nothing like Simba originally pictured it in his mind.

A similar story is found at the beginning of the book of 2 Samuel. After years and years of running from Saul, David finally get’s his turn at being king after Saul killed himself with his own sword in a battle against the Philistines. David was 15 years old when he was first anointed by Samuel and then 30 years old when he actually became king over Israel. Many people overlook the fact that it was a long, difficult road for David after he killed Goliath. A road that he never could have imagined when he was first anointed.

I had a moment like this recently. I was at a meeting at my job and I had to present some of the company goals to the employees in a huddle. I have always seen myself as a leader but not necessarily in the setting of the moving industry. I always saw myself leading in a church/ Bible study setting or even in a sports setting. I have always been a little bit nervous about public speaking and worried that I would mess up but in this huddle it came naturally to me. I did a good job and got some good feedback. As I looked back, I thought to myself, “Here I am leading but it looks nothing like I thought it would.”

You might be in a season of waiting. Maybe the Lord has given you huge dreams and goals in life but in reality, it looks nothing like you pictured it. Maybe you thought that you would be further along by now. You have been serving behind the scenes, doing the right thing, praying and believing for what feels like an eternity. Maybe it’s making more money, or having a different job, or even having your own business. Maybe you have been praying for the healing of a relationship. Or maybe you simply need some guidance or direction regarding a big decision.

In these moments of “It’s not how I thought it would look,” the key is practicing patience, perseverance, and ultimately trust in God’s perfect timing. God is great at His job and will accomplish what He spoke but it might not always look like how you picture it.

Prayer: Father, your Word says in Isaiah 55:8, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” Today, we put our full trust in your perfect timing and ask for you to help us align our hearts with yours. You know the plans you have for us, plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us a hope and a future.(Jeremiah 29:11) Just like David, give us the perseverance and endurance to stand strong against the temptation to give up or give in. We choose to stand strong today and follow Christ until we see Him face to face and hear the words “Well done my good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21) May whatever it is that we are believing for come to pass by your mighty hand and power as we submit to your perfect will for our lives. In Jesus name, amen.