When You’re Asked to Step Up—But Feel Unqualified
Have you ever been asked to take on a responsibility or role that you felt unready for? Maybe you thought, “I didn’t ask for this,” or “Who am I to do this?” These feelings can stir humility and grace, but they can also, unfortunately, lead to pride or hesitation, depending on how we respond.
As I watched the series David on Wonder, I was struck by David’s character. He didn’t seek out his role as king, yet he embraced it with humility and unwavering faith. His leadership was rooted in his surrender to God—this was the source of his strength and wisdom.
In 2 Samuel 7:18, King David offers a heartfelt prayer:
“Then went king David in, and sat before the LORD, and he said, Who am I, O Lord GOD? and what is my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?”
What We Can Learn from David
1. Behave Wisely
David’s response to tasks and challenges was marked by wisdom and composure. Scripture tells us in 1 Samuel 18:5,14
” And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul’s servants. 14 And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the Lord was with him.“He didn’t let ambition or pride cloud his judgment. True wisdom, as Proverbs 9:10 reminds us, starts with the fear of the Lord. David’s reverence for God grounded his decisions and actions, enabling him to lead effectively.
2. Be Fervent in Your Faith
Despite facing numerous enemies and hardships, David’s belief in God never wavered. In 2 Samuel 7:22, he proclaims:
“Wherefore thou art great, O Lord God: for there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.”
Faith sustained him through trials. Similarly, our faith must hold firm even when situations threaten to shake our confidence in the promises we’ve received.
3. Be Confident in the Lord
David’s confidence stemmed not from his own strength but from his trust in God’s deliverance. When faced with Goliath, he recalled his past experiences of God’s protection:
“33 And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.34 And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock:35 And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.36 Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.37 David said moreover, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the Lord be with thee.“ (1 Samuel 17:37)
This assurance empowered David to face challenges head-on. Likewise, when we remember who is with us, we can confront even the biggest obstacles with courage.
Final Thoughts
David’s journey teaches us that leadership and faith walk hand in hand with humility, wisdom, and confidence in God. When we face unexpected tasks or feel ill-equipped, embracing these qualities can transform our challenges into victories.
So next time you find yourself saying, “I didn’t ask for this,” remember David’s prayer and let it inspire you to trust in the One who has brought you this far—and who will carry you through.
