Serving God When the Story Isn’t About You

S: 1 Samuel 1-9

O: Despite bearing his name, 1 & 2 Samuel are not primarily about Samuel. They are part of the larger Judges–Samuel–Kings narrative, and Samuel’s life is only partially told. We see his mother’s struggle, his dedication to YHVH as a child, God calling him while he is still young, and his leadership in turning Israel back to YHVH.

Then the story jumps forward decades. When Samuel is old, the people demand a king, and the focus of the narrative shifts almost entirely to Saul and later David. Samuel does not disappear, but he fades into the background, becoming a supporting figure rather than the centre of the story.

Samuel is essential to what God is doing, but he is no longer in the spotlight. Saul and David leave behind dramatic, memorable stories; Samuel leaves behind a legacy.

A: The lesson I take from this is similar to the lesson I took back on 12 December about Tola and Jair: faithfulness does not need to be remarkable to be meaningful. God may use us powerfully in one season, and quietly in another. Our calling is not to secure a big story for ourselves, but to faithfully follow YHVH where He places us. Often, the truest legacy is not a dramatic narrative, but the people shaped by our obedience.

P: Father, You see what no one else sees. You used Samuel, Tola, and Jair in their time; use me in mine. I do not ask for a big story, but for a faithful heart. Shape me into someone who listens when You speak, obeys when You command, and trusts You with the results. In Jesus’ name, amen.