Hiding From Your Calling

In 1 Samuel 10:22, we read of a peculiar behavior: They asked the Lord again, “Has he arrived here yet?” The Lord answered, “He’s hiding among the baggage.”

The “he” the Lord is speaking of is the newly anointed Saul! Samuel had just spoken over Saul God’s word that Saul should be king. After the anointing, the Lord proceeded to perform the extraordinary signs of confirmation that Samuel foretold. In verses 17-21 of this chapter, we see how Saul’s kingship is revealed, but when the convocation of elders and tribe representatives went to recognize Saul, he was nowhere to be found! So we see the exchange between them and the Lord in verse 22. I can relate to hiding behind and among my baggage – my past, my fears, my failures, my perceived weaknesses, etc.

Matthew Henry identifies 4 areas of “baggage” for Saul: 1) He was aware of his “unfitness” to be king and feared that he would mess up royally (pun intended), 2) He’d be putting himself “out there” to be hated, 3) He understood, by Samuel’s words, that in anger the Lord granted the request of the people for a King, so he questioned if he wanted to be “that guy” and 4) The affairs of Israel, at that time, were a shambles. So, to take on the leadership role, at that time, was audacious and possibly imprudent.

Saul questioned his ability, wanted to be liked, feared being the object of God’s anger, and didn’t particularly want to take on a seemingly hopeless situation AND BE IN CHARGE! How about you? Do you have any baggage you hide behind? You should know that if you are God’s child, you have been anointed and appointed to a particular call – just like Saul. So “in the baggage” is no place for you.

Jeremiah 1:5 (MSG) - Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you: A prophet to the nations— that’s what I had in mind for you.

Psalm 139:13&14 (NKJ) - For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.

Does your soul know it? God knew you before you were even formed. He carefully and wonderfully made you. You are the marvelous work of God! And He determined your call before you were in your mother’s womb or anyone ever knew you were going to exist. 

Additionally, you should know that “It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him.” (Daniel 2:22)

As with Saul, the Lord reveals the hidden things within you. He knows the plans He has for you. He knows what’s up with you! He knows all that we don’t know. Saul questioned his abilities because he discounted God’s anointing. It was God’s plan that was being revealed. It was by God’s design that Saul should be king.

So precious one, get out of that baggage! Let it go! Do not ever pick it up again! And go be the you that God has anointed and appointed!