When the people ask for a king!

When the people ask for a king?

I Samuel 8:4; Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah and said to him, “Look you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways.  Now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.”

Make us a king is what Israel requested of the prophet Samuel.  We want to be like all the nations around us.  I want to share my paraphrase of this scripture and how I perceive this language fits our sports world: Then the alumni, athletic director, president, lettermen and businessmen gathered together and decided, “Look we want to win more games like all the other schools so lets find a new coach.”

When the people ask for another king how should we respond? 

Unfortunately, in our culture we see this play out year after year.  We have come to know this story line all too well.  Instead of dreading this time lets see it from another perspective, here are a few scriptures you can glean from with confidence that God is orchestrating your steps and He has decided your fate and determined your next destination:

Daniel 2:21- He changes times and seasons; He deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

Psalms 75:7- It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another.

Proverbs: 19:21- Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

Deuteronomy 31: 6- “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God. He is the One who goes with you.  He will not leave you nor forsake you.”

Psalms 37:23- The Lord directs the steps of the Godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.

Now that your heart is encouraged how else can you prepare yourself?

• Become a prayer warrior and pray from a posture of thanksgiving knowing that God will see you through and staffing changes or new job assignments.

• Get excited because you have a new opportunity to serve the people of another city ushering in the Kingdom of God into a new territory.

• Build excitement with your kids and share the joy of the Lord with them and how special your family is that He uses you around the country to show off His glory.

• Build your coach and tell Him how many lives He gets to touch because God is using Him to influence the sports world. My favorite words of encouragement to use with my coach, “God is making you into a champion for His Kingdom! He is using you to change the lives of the people around you everyday!¨

Ladies-I pray by now you all know that we are Missionaries on assignments for God’s glory to be revealed in and through our lives. Let’s thank Him for choosing us!

Father, you are so awesome!  You thought of us before the foundations of the world and decided we be born in this generation to let Your glory be seen in our world.  Thank You for trusting us to be a reflection of Your glory. Thank You for new assignments and new opportunities to let others see You in us, in Jesus' name, amen.