In our Focal Scripture, Jesse revealed that he had a youngest son who was in the bush, keeping the sheep. Jesse had older sons who should have been more suitable for that responsibility, but it was the youngest (David) that got the responsibility. David was in the bush while his elder brothers enjoyed the comfort of their home; he was in the bush facing several risks while others enjoyed.
Notice that it was in this same bush that David learnt how to slay lions and bears; it was in this same bush that David learnt to defend the cheep in his care; it was in this same bush that David became a man of war; it was from this same bush that David drew the revelation that birthed the famous Psalm 23; the bush may have been uncomfortable, but it was David’s preparation place.
Friend, you may not like where you are, but the lessons you learn there will push you to the top. The lessons of your bush will come handy when your Goliath shows up; the lessons of your ‘bush experience’ will give you an edge over and above those who have only known their comfort zone; your ‘bush’ will make you stronger and more tenacious; your ‘bush’ will make you uniquely relevant; your ‘bush’ will make but not mar you.
David may have looked disadvantaged among his brothers, but what was meant to be a disadvantage became an advantage to him. David’s brothers were in the army that was in fear of Goliath, but when he showed up, he brandished his ‘bush’ experience, and got the nod to fight and defeat Goliath. Your ‘bush’ experience will give you exclusive access to opportunities that those without your experience cannot handle.
Don’t hate your ‘bush’; love it, embrace it, and take every lesson that God will have you learn. Those who do not understand your greatness might think your ‘bush’ is a punishment or sign of rejection; but for those who understand, it is your place of preparation.
