In my study about David, I read...
"The Lord said, 'You shall be shepherd of my people...' So all the elders of Israel came and King David made a covenant with them before the Lord and they anointed David king over Israel." (2 Samuel 5:2-3 ESV)
Many years had passed since David was anointed as the next king. He has faced difficult circumstances, challenges and crises. The odds were stacked against him on numerous occasions. At times becoming king probably appeared to be only a crazy dream.
And yet, all the while God was working the puzzle. Methodically placing each piece in its right place so the big picture is realized.
Never in a million years would David have thought it would happen this way...tending sheep, anointed as king, defeating Goliath, serving in the king's court, leading the king's army and bodyguard, running for his life, gathering a motley group of followers, becoming king of Judah, becoming king of Israel and merging the two nations.
I read the entire account in about 20 minutes--roughly 27 pages in my Bible. There's no way I can fully grasp David's day to day experience as he waited on God. I'm sure he had his moments of confusion, frustration and impatience.
I now know why God started David out tending sheep...
to teach him how to wait.
Waiting seems to be required as God works the puzzle.