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The Perfect Résumé
This week's focus: Restoration
I recently walked past a sign in a store that said:
EVERYONE IS PERFECT (according to their résumé).
Most employers require job candidates to have both a résumé and references when seeking to fill a position. The more skills, talents, and qualifications found on a resume, the better the chances are of getting a job. Since most employers understand the truth found on the store's sign, they also require references (another person's opinion of your skills, talents, and qualifications).
While reading the Bible the other day, I came across the account of Saul searching for someone to fill a role in his kingdom when one of his servants provided an exceptional endorsement for David;
"Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite who is a skillful musician, a mighty man of valor, a warrior, one prudent in speech, a handsome man, and the LORD is with him." -1 Samuel 16:18
Who wouldn't want a reference like that? It's great when another mouth praises you and not your own (see Proverbs 27:2). David's skills are impressive, but the most important qualification was that the Lord was with him.
The Bible tells us that David was a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), and that wasn't because David was perfect (we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God). His response was what set David apart when his imperfections were brought to light.
David penned Psalm 51, which displays his deep sorrow over sinning against God. With a contrite heart, he looks to God alone for His forgiveness and restoration. David knew he wasn't perfect, but He trusted in a perfect God. His humility, teachability, faith, trust, and confidence in God made David "a man after God's own heart."
If King Saul had required a résumé, I believe David would reverse the order and say, "Because the Lord is with me, I can be a skillful musician, a mighty man of valor, a warrior…."
David's trust in God's adequacy (and not his own) invited God to work through him. God used David greatly because David understood that when the Lord was with Him, he could do all things; apart from Him, he could do nothing. (see Philippians 4:13 and John 15:5).
Like David, we aren't perfect, but when the Lord is with us, we are covered by His perfect résumé.
by Jennifer McAlister, Communications, My Faith Votes
Hebrews 5:9
“And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation…”
Prayer Points:
Pray: Dear Lord, Thank You for forgiving our imperfections the moment we repent and turn to You. Like David, may we have humble, teachable spirits that never stop praising You. You are our perfect God, and we love you.
Think: David was a man after God’s own heart because David sought the heart of God.
Act: Today, take time to pray for your elected officials. Then, send them a note letting them know you prayed for them. Our tool makes it simple and easy to send your specific elected officials an email, right here.
We want to see God honored in America, and we pray for an unprecedented spiritual awakening.
This devotion was produced in partnership with Every Home for Christ.
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