Wasted Days

1 Samuel 17:39-40

"And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him.

And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine."

When God calls me to do something, He uniquely prepares me to be able to do it. The things that happen in my life are all for a reason - to prepare me for what God has in store.

Days and days of watching sheep may have seemed like a waste of time to David. But it was largely through this time alone in the wilderness that David gave us the Psalms, a book that had been an inspiration, encouragement and balm to countless millions. It was also during this seemingly wasted time that David gained experience in battling enemies greater than himself (the lion and the bear).

What "wasted" times of my life can I look back on now and see God's hand preparing me? Is there something I should or could be doing right now to get ready for whatever God has next? Am I actively asking in prayer for God to use me?