Identity Before Influence: David vs. Saul

Before God can trust you with influence, He will test where your identity is rooted.

Two men. Two kings. Two identities.

Saul and David — both anointed, both chosen. Yet what separated them was not their calling, but the soil of their hearts.

Saul was driven by the voice of the people. When the crowd cried out, when the soldiers trembled, he moved out of fear and impatience. Instead of waiting on God, he offered a sacrifice he was not meant to give (1 Samuel 13:11-12). His identity was shaky because it was built on human approval.

David, on the other hand, faced a moment of deep distress. His own men spoke of stoning him. He heard the noise, the fear, the anger — but he didn’t bow to it. Instead, he strengthened himself in the Lord and inquired of Him (1 Samuel 30:6-8). David’s identity was deeply anchored in God’s voice, not man’s opinion.

When your identity is not secured in God, the noise of people will shape your choices. You will move in haste to keep applause. You will sacrifice obedience to maintain influence.

But when you are rooted in Him, storms will come, voices will rise, stones may be lifted against you — and still, you will stand. Because your foundation is unseen yet unshakeable.

Who do you listen to when the noise grows louder?

Will you rush to please the people, or will you wait for the whisper of God?

God will test you in hidden places, not to shame you, but to reveal if your heart is His alone.

Before the influence, there is a question: Who am I when no one is watching?

Choose identity before influence. Choose His voice above every other.


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The Danger of Moving Without God: Led by Pressure or Presence?