(This article is summarized from Dr. Montgomery’s sermon on Recognition Sunday, May 26, 2024. Before he spoke, our youth Pastor Santos Chaparro interviewed some of our students.)
Imagine being on the brink of your biggest moment, the one you've dreamed about, only to hide from it. That’s exactly what happened to Saul in the book of 1 Samuel. His story, found in 1 Samuel 10:17-22, is a powerful reminder of what happens when fear holds us back from seizing our opportunities.
Saul was chosen by God to be the first king of Israel, but when the time came for his coronation, he was nowhere to be found. Instead of stepping into his new role, Saul was hiding. This moment could have defined his greatness, but his fear led him to shrink back.
When Samuel told Saul he would be both a prophet and a king, Saul was hesitant. He found it easier to prophesy because he had seen others do it, but being a king was new territory. It’s easy to follow someone else’s path, but God often calls us to blaze our own trails. When faced with unprecedented opportunities, we must trust that God will equip us to succeed, even if it’s something we’ve never seen done before.
Saul felt unqualified for kingship because he had no military experience. He doubted his abilities. Many of us can relate to feeling unprepared for the roles we’re called to fill. However, God’s call often transcends our self-doubt. Our past experiences don’t limit our potential. With God’s help, we can rise to any challenge.
Saul’s background made him feel insignificant. Coming from the smallest tribe and the least important family, he doubted his worth. But in God’s kingdom, our past does not define our future. Great leaders like Moses, David, and Mary all came from humble beginnings. We must not let past mistakes or limitations hold us back from what God has planned for us.
To everyone standing at the threshold of new opportunities, especially graduates, don’t let fear, inadequacy, or your past stop you. God has placed immense potential within you. Dr. Benjamin E. Mays once wrote, “Just a tiny little minute, but eternity is in it.” Life’s significant decisions often come down to a single moment. Will you seize it, or will you shrink from it?
God’s promises are steadfast. As Jeremiah 29:11 says, He has plans to prosper you and give you hope and a future. This applies to all of us, no matter our age. When opportunity knocks, it’s an invitation from God to step into a destiny beyond our imagination.
Let’s learn from Saul’s hesitation. Instead of hiding, step boldly into the moments God has prepared for you. Remember, your relevance isn’t determined by others’ perceptions but by how you handle the opportunities God gives you. Maximize your moment, for God has called you to greatness.
