Forgetting things is, unfortunately, part of human nature. We forget where we put our car keys or the name of someone we haven’t seen in a while.

But when it comes to living the life of an underdog and we forget where we started when success comes, the outcome can be devastating.

Saul, the first king of Israel, was from the smallest tribe of Benjamin and his clan was the least of all the clans. In his own eyes, he saw himself as “small.”

Saul even hid in the baggage when it was time for Samuel (who served as prophet, judge, and priest) to announce that God had chosen Saul to be the king of Israel after the people requested to have a king like the other nations.

Over time, Saul becomes king and doesn’t wait for Samuel (like he was told to do) to offer the burnt offering before battle—Saul does it himself. And later, Saul doesn’t obey the Lord’s instructions to totally wipe out the Amalekites and everything they have.

Somewhere along the way, Saul cracks under pressure and forgets who’s in charge.

What happened? How did Saul forget where he started? Maybe he was too busy looking at people, reveling in the accolades or worried about pleasing them. Maybe when God started to use him, Saul began to pat himself on the back instead of humbly thanking God for such a privilege. Or maybe when success started happening, Saul forgot Who was behind it all.

After Saul disobeyed the Lord’s command concerning the Amalekites:

“Then the word of the Lord came to Samuel: I am grieved that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions.” (1 Samuel 15:10-11a NIV, emphasis my own.)

Heartbreaking.

God used Saul, who once felt small and possibly inadequate and unworthy, and then Saul turned away from God when “success” came. (Is it truly success if it doesn’t please God? We know the answer to that.)

When your success story happens, my fellow underdog, when God lifts you up and sets you on the path He designed specifically for you, don’t forget it was His hands that brought you to this place.

Don’t forget the lonely hours, the struggling, the tears, the prayers, and how God faithfully stood by you, teaching, molding, refining, and bringing you to the abundant life He’s planned all along for you.

Don’t turn away from Him, but turn around and look back at all He’s brought you through before moving forward in total obedience to His every word.

It’s an honor when God uses one of His underdogs. Don’t forget to thank Him.

 “When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. Be careful that you do no forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day.” (Deuteronomy 8:10-11 NIV.)

“But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.” (Deuteronomy 8:18 NIV.)