Hezekiah was 25 when he became Judah's King, and with term limits defined by someone sticking a sword in your back, being captured by an invading enemy, or just time to take a dirt nap, he reigned in Judah for 29 years. Seven years after capturing Samaria and sending the Israelites into captivity, Assyria, in their quest for world domination, wanted Jerusalem as well.
It is hard to imagine the level of restraint he must have had. One minute, an old guy shows up and says, while he might be the smallest and youngest son of a family with no status, he is gonna be king. The next minute, he is in the pasture tending to sheep and running Uber Eats for his dad and brothers. How antsy David must have felt, but he remained obedient. Day after day, he did his job and dealt with both the mundane and the dangerous, but he didn't waste his time in the pasture.
He killed a little time learning to play the harp. In fact, he became so good, he was eventually hired to play for the king. He journaled, writing songs and prayers. The book of Psalms is to this day one of the most quoted books in the Bible. He practiced using a slingshot and became so deadly accurate that it was like shooting a 9mm with a laser scope. He protected his flock and learned hand-to-hand combat. When bears and lions attacked, he killed them with his bare hands. He trusted God and prayed to him often. All preparation for what was to come.
So when Goliath and the Philistine army stepped up to challenge Israel, David was ready. He was a trained special forces warrior who knew God was with him and ran towards the battle. When he was done, he left with the respect of all witnesses and the sword of the headless giant while the Philistine army fled.
Time in the pasture isn't punishment, it's preparation.
"There is a God in Israel! And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord's battle, and he will give you to us! As Goliath moved closer to attack, David quickly ran out to meet him." (1 Samuel 17:47-48)
Sometimes we feel we are wasting away in the pasture while life is moving on without us. Be patient, that time is meant for discovery, for growth, and preparation for something epic. Get quiet and ask God what you are supposed to be learning in the process- new skills, deeper connections, patience, strength, discipline. Perhaps your Goliath isn't ready for the battle yet, and the timing isn't just right.
Whenever I look back at my time out in the pasture, I can see there was purpose and preparation for something better. Hindsight is a gift that way, but faith and obedience are the fuel that keeps you doing what is needed to be prepared for tomorrow.
Time in the pasture isn't punishment, it's preparation. Your Goliath is coming. Be ready.
