“Now the Spirit of the Lord had departed from Saul, and an evil[a] spirit from the Lord tormented him. 15 Saul’s attendants said to him, “See, an evil spirit from God is tormenting you. 16 Let our lord command his servants here to search for someone who can play the lyre. He will play when the evil spirit from God comes on you, and you will feel better.” 17 So Saul said to his attendants, “Find someone who plays well and bring him to me.” 18 One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre. He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the Lord is with him.” 1 Samuel 16.14-18
What are the odds that, out of all the people in Israel, David would be chosen to serve in Saul’s court as one of his musicians and armor bearers? Israel was not a small place—there were hundreds of thousands of people. And yet, when King Saul needed someone to bring him relief from the torment of an evil spirit, it was David who was recommended and received.
Now here is the issue—what is this evil spirit tormenting Saul? We know the Spirit of God left him, and now an evil spirit has taken its place. How horrible! But wasn’t it Saul’s own doing? His disobedience? His waywardness? His rejection of God as Lord and King? When we reject the Lord, who or what fills that void? When we choose not to think holy thoughts, what sinful thoughts take over our minds?
So David was chosen again, out of all the tribes, towns, and families, to serve in Saul’s court. He was being trained up. David was a fine-looking young man, brave, a warrior, and skilled at singing and playing the lyre (a small harp). He was chosen first by God and anointed by Samuel, and then God allowed him to be chosen again to enter Saul’s court and serve this troubled king.
The coincidence is God-ordained. The Lord has a plan and purpose, and He will accomplish it with or without His people. It’s the same for us—God wants to use us to fulfill His plans for humanity. He is in the details of our daily lives, guiding, leading, loving, orchestrating. He is not distant. Everything we do, whether large or small, can bring Him glory and be part of His design to reach and redeem a lost world.
I think of how many details had to fall into place for me to serve in the current ministry of Revive and the Wesley House at Truett. These were not my plans or anyone else’s—they were placed in our hearts by God so that we might fulfill His plan to save the world.
If today you choose to be used by God, will you allow Him to fill your heart, soul, and mind? There is a reason Jesus said to love God with all these areas. Seek holiness, obedience, and faithfulness, and watch how God uses what may seem like coincidences to accomplish His work in and through you to redeem humanity.
“O Lord God, You are good and loving. Thank You for Your Spirit. Help me to live according to Your Word and reject evil every day. Help me to be on Your side and not give in to the lusts of the flesh or the pride of the eyes. Have Your way with me and lead me in the path that leads to everlasting life. For You are good, and Your love endures forever.” Amen