When God Develops You in The Dark

There are seasons in life where it feels like we’re hidden, overlooked, or waiting for God’s promises to come to pass, but these moments are not wasted. God often uses the dark, quiet places to shape, refine, and prepare us for what’s ahead. Just like David, who was anointed long before he became king, God develops us in the unseen places so that we’ll be equipped for our calling when the time comes.

In 1 Samuel 15:28, we see the concept of the difference between “yesterday’s man”—someone who clings to position and appearance—and “tomorrow’s man”—someone who values God’s presence and trusts His timing. Here are a few of the major differences.

Differences Between “Yesterday’s Man” and “Today’s Man”

1. Yesterday’s Man Is Addicted to His Position but Allergic to the Presence of God

Yesterday’s man is someone like Saul, who feared people and sought to protect his position but had no passion for God’s presence. Saul said, “I have sinned; yet honor me now, please, before the elders of my people and before Israel” (1 Samuel 15:30). Saul was addicted to his position but not to the presence of God.

David, on the other hand, was after the heart of God (1 Samuel 13:14). Tomorrow’s man or woman loves God’s presence more than anything else.

2. Yesterday’s Man Takes Himself Too Seriously and God Too Lightly

“When you were little in your own eyes, were you not the head of the tribes of Israel?” (1 Samuel 15:17). Saul became inflated with pride, and his self-worth grew with his position. However, it’s important to remember that the bigger we think we are, the smaller God becomes in our lives.

David, though he became king, remained humble and focused on honoring God (2 Samuel 7:18).

3. Yesterday’s Man Fears People Too Much and Fears God Too Little

In the book of Samuel, we see that David feared of the Lord (2 Samuel 6:9). Yesterday’s man fears people more than God. Saul confessed, “I feared the people and obeyed their voice” (1 Samuel 15:24).

When we fear people more than God, we will end up obeying their voices instead of His. When you have a healthy fear of God, it will free you from fearing others.

4. Yesterday’s Man Builds Monuments for Himself, Not God’s House

Additionally, we see that after Saul disobeyed God, he set up a monument for himself (1 Samuel 15:12). In contrast, David wanted to build a house for God, not a monument to himself. David focused on God’s kingdom, and God honored David’s legacy.

5. Yesterday’s Man Cares More About His Spotlight Than His Relationship with the Holy Spirit

Later on in 1 Saumuel 15, we see that Saul said, “I have sinned; yet honor me now” (1 Samuel 15:30). In this we see that he cared more about keeping the spotlight than maintaining his relationship with God.

David, however, cried, “Do not take Your Holy Spirit from me” when we had sinned (Psalm 51:11). Tomorrow’s man will always value God’s presence over any position or platform.

6. Yesterday’s Man Lacks Accountability to the Authority in His Life

When Samuel confronted Saul, Saul grabbed Samuel’s robe and tore it (1 Samuel 15:27). David, however, was troubled even after cutting a piece of Saul’s robe to prove his loyalty (1 Samuel 24:5).

Yesterday’s man often lacks respect for authority, while tomorrow’s man understands the importance of honoring those God has placed over him.

7. Yesterday’s Man Is Discovered Too Soon, Without Being Developed in the Dark

Lastly, we see that David was anointed as a boy but only became king after many years of preparation. In the same way, God develops tomorrow’s man in obscurity, in the hidden places, where the character is formed.

Being discovered too soon can lead to a “premature destiny.” Just as a baby needs time in the womb to fully develop, God often keeps us in the dark to prepare us for our calling.

He cultivates your character, breaks down pride, and molds you into the image of Jesus. When the time is right, God will bring you into the light, prepared and ready for the purpose He has for you.

Read: Signs You’re Called to Deliverance Ministry