1 Samuel 16:1
The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.”
1 Samuel 16:13
“So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David.”
Additional Scripture References: Romans 8:28, Psalms 23:1-6, 2 Timothy 3:16
When we have trouble sleeping, we are often told to count sheep, hoping that a monotonous task will help us nod off. When God calls us to steward our calling, we often expect the first step of our assignment to be exhilarating. Yet, God’s assignments often involve “counting sheep” and going through daily tasks that can feel mundane. But mundane does not mean insignificant. Having already anointed us, God develops us as we count sheep, pouring oil on us so that we can pour oil on others.
Every calling requires counting sheep
God knows what’s best for us, which is why he takes time to develop us before he deploys us. Without development, our assignments would destroy us. Think of David — he was anointed to be king, but he wasn’t yet appointed. His head was covered in oil while he was working the field as a shepherd. As he led his sheep, he gained a visionary mindset he would use as king, as he fed his sheep, he gained a pastor's heart, and as he protected his sheep, he gained courage to fight for a nation. No matter where we find ourselves, as we faithfully work our “fields,” we can trust that God is developing us in the process.
Olive oil is made when an olive is crushed. In the same way, the crushing moments of our lives are what produce our oil. God will use every moment — the bad things, the painful things, the shameful things, the broken things. He turns all things for the good of those who love him; nothing is wasted. Our seasons of struggle are not for us — suffering produces oil that we can pour out to minister to the people around us.
God calls us to pour oil, not to hoard oil. This means that we are called to use our unique skills to contribute to his kingdom. Doing nothing is a waste of time; yet, trying to do everything is also a waste of time. Rather than chase a fleeting moment of exhilaration or excitement, God calls us to shepherd his pasture, which may involve metaphorically counting sheep. His word reminds us that how we shepherd the mundane moments of life leads to outpouring of His Holy anointing.
Take time this week to memorize Romans 8:28. Reflect on how God has worked in your life to turn what you deemed wasted into good for your purpose.
If someone in your Crew needs care, we want to come alongside you. Our Care Response Team is designed to equip you to walk with people in different seasons of their life.
Our team is committed to celebrating life’s best moments with you and offering support through its hardest ones.
We would love to come around you for the following life events:
+ Marriages
+ Births
+ Deaths
+ Hospitalizations/Illness
Please submit a request at vouschurch.com/requestcare
There are only a few times each year when our VOUS family gathers under one roof. Team Conference is one of them. It’s the moment we come together as one team, united in vision and ready for the season ahead.
Team Conference is a free 1-day gathering that celebrates and equips the servant leaders of VOUS Church, with leadership sessions, God's word, unforgettable moments and so much more.
Don’t miss it. Team Conference is more than a gathering. It’s a family united, and the room won’t be the same without you. Click here to register!
Where: VOUS City
When: Saturday, September 13
Time: 8:15AM
Address: 6101 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127
We are having baptisms this Sunday, September 14th, across all of our locations, and on the beach.
To sign up for baptisms, please click here.
Experience what it’s like to be a VOUS College Student for a day at Preview Day!
Meet our staff, connect with current students and discover how VOUS College can be the place where you grow in your calling.
To sign up for Preview Day, click here
Where: VOUS Miami Gardens
When: Thursday, October 9th
Time: 12:00PM - 3:00PM
Address: 17801 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33169
VOUS SoMi
10:00AM / 12:00PM / 6PM
VOUS City
10:00AM / 12:00PM / 6PM
VOUS Miami Gardens
8:30AM / 10:00AM / 12:00PM
VOUS Design District
8:30AM / 10:00AM / 12:00PM
Church Online
10:30AM / 12:30PM / 5PM Español
Growth Track
After every service or join online at vouschurch.com/growthtrack