The beginning three months of any new year is a time for self-reflection where people may ponder their accomplishments, challenges, and missed opportunities. However, others may use this time to reset their priorities with the hopes of renewing their life’s purpose. Then, there are others who may use this timeframe for mental preparedness to advance their careers or educational pursuits. Still, others have found themselves consumed with wearing masks, vaccine mandates, political discourse, health challenges, mental wellness, virtual learning versus in-person classes, supply chain issues, financial challenges, violence, fentanyl overdoses, a pending civil war, voter suppression, or racial and ethnic microaggressions.

If you have read any of the prior posts for Vision Beyond Eyesight, LLC, you know that a biblical reference is utilized to demonstrate how our lives can sometimes parallel that of those during biblical times. The below biblical reference is from I Samuel 9-10:6 when Samuel proclaims Saul as the King of Israel.

There was a young man by the name of Saul who was not only tall, but handsome. Saul was the son of Kish, who was a descendent of the Tribe of Benjamin. This elite tribe was small, but courageous. One day, Saul was told by his father, Kish, to search for his donkeys. In addition to this, Saul was instructed to take a servant with him on the journey. Saul and his servant traveled through the mountain of Ephraim and the lands of Shalisha, Shaalim, and Benjamites.

However, while in the land of Zuph, the servant suggested they speak with the spiritual leader to receive guidance in their search for the donkeys. More importantly, it was the custom of that time to present the man of God with a gift; therefore, the servant chose to offer silver.

At the time Saul and his servant encountered the spiritual leader, Samuel, the Lord had already revealed this chance meeting to him. When Samuel noticed Saul, the Lord told Samuel this is His choice to lead His people. Saul initiated the discussion with Samuel. A brief time later, Samuel invited Saul and his servant to eat with him. As they are walking to their eating place, Samuel informed Saul that his father’s donkeys were found. As Samuel continued speaking, Saul responded with informing Samuel of his status as a Benjamite.

As Samuel and his guests prepared for their meal, Samuel instructed the cook to serve Saul certain portions of meat, which had been set apart in honor of Saul’s status.

The next morning, Samuel began preparing Saul for his departure and sent the servant ahead of them. Samuel performed the official anointing of the Lord’s request to declare Saul Israel’s leader. Samuel provided Saul a series of specific instructions and signs that would lead to an encounter with the holy spirit to transform his life. Later, Saul had an encounter with his uncle where he shared the signs and instructions told by Samuel. Interestingly, Saul did not disclose to his uncle Samuel’s anointing him king.

In the meantime, Samuel gathered the children of Israel at Mizpah to remind them of the blessings God had bestowed upon them. Samuel also emphasized how they had rejected God.

As the people gathered into their tribes, Samuel chose the Tribe of Benjamin and Saul was chosen the King of Israel. Unfortunately, Saul disappeared, and the people sought guidance form the Lord, who identified Saul’s location. At that time, Samuel proclaimed Saul the King of Israel and indicated this was the Lord’s chosen person to lead His people. The people shouted in admiration of their new king. Unfortunately, there were some rebels who questioned Saul’s leadership abilities, so they despised him. Saul made the decision to ignore the rebels’ concerns to maintain peace. (I Samuel 9-10:6 NKJV)

While the referenced biblical story occurred during the sixth century, Saul’s story is relevant today. First, God predestined Saul to be king even before he [Saul] realized his life’s purpose. Just as God had predestined Saul, He has done the same thing for you. He created you and has used your valley experiences to equip you with unique skills and characteristics to propel you to your life’s purpose. Oftentimes, people allow their childhood and adolescent experiences, as well as intimate relationships, to define who they are as an adult. Likewise, a person may feel limited by their race, facial structure, body shape, ethnicity, hair type, gender, number of “likes,” Instagram followers, geography, or citizenship status.

Second, despite Saul’s status as a descendant of Jacob, he was hesitant to accept his role as King of Israel. There are times when a person is elevated to a position, and/or admitted to a college based upon legacy. Individuals may experience indecisiveness about these and other opportunities due to fear of failure, feelings of unworthiness, self-awareness of their inadequacies, or having a desire to be independent of their legacy. Nevertheless, an individual’s hesitancy may be due to their internal conflict between what is expected versus what they are enthusiastic about.

Third, when Samuel proclaimed Saul King of Israel, he disappeared. There will be times in life when an individual believe they are not prepared for a particular assignment. During these times, it is imperative to determine the source of the uneasiness and establish if it is the actual assignment, the lack of preparedness, or another variable (i.e., fear, shame, guilt). Our society makes decisions based upon readiness. Unfortunately, sometimes our lack of readiness can lead to miss opportunities. What if Samuel decided to be disobedient to God and select another leader for the people of Israel?

Fourth, the rebels questioned Saul’s abilities. How many times have family, friends, or colleagues questioned your abilities? In contrast, how many times have you observed people receiving promotions where you have questioned their abilities? Additionally, how many times have you questioned your abilities based upon what other people have said? How many times have your negative thinking patterns caused you to question your abilities? Conversely, an accuser who have not resolved their inadequacies tend to question another’s ability.

Finally, in addition to the above self-reflection questions, below you will find four self-discovery points to support you with achieving your goals for 2022.

SELF-DISCOVERY POINTS

• If you believe you have been chosen for a specific purpose, what is it? Please show yourself grace regarding past mistakes.

• Acknowledge any missteps, periods of distractions, or fear-based thinking that has hindered your progress in 2021 or earlier. Please be kind to yourself.

• Please consider expanding your knowledge-base by enrolling and attending workshops, trainings, seminars, or conferences. If finances are challenging, take advantage of payment plans, if applicable.

• Make the decision to plan for 2022 and consider setting weekly or monthly goals. Please keep in mind that while 2022 may hold progress, be prepared for challenges, disappointments, unforeseen circumstances, grief, and false starts. Consider how you plan to address these and other obstacles.