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I’m guessing you know the story of the classic
confrontation between David, a young shepherd boy, and the giant
Goliath, recorded in the Old Testament in 1 Samuel Chapter 17. If
not, go read it and then come back to this page. Anyway, it is
amazing the way ‘Little David’ trusted God and defeated the ‘Big
Giant’ with just a sling and a small rock. We may even have this
image of little ‘weak’ David, twirling that sling, maybe with his
eyes closed, waiting for God to direct the stone to the right spot.
Maybe it happened that way, but when I study David’s life before the
giant I see him differently.
Chapter 16 records King Saul’s search for
someone to play soothing music for him. As a young adult David must
have already had a reputation for excellence because of what Chapter
16, verse 18 says, “One of the servants answered, "I have seen a son
of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the harp. He is a brave
man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine‑looking man. And the
LORD is with him." So, David already had a reputation for bravery
and he was experienced in battle. Now look at Chapter 17, verses
34-38; David killed a lion and a bear to protect the family sheep. I
can visualize David, out with the sheep, bored to tears, passing the
time by practicing with his sling. I’ll bet he became a ‘pro’ at
hitting all kinds of practice targets and then finally the vicious
animals which attacked the sheep.
The point is this: David was not some little
wimpy kid; he was a prepared ready instrument that God could use to
work His will for His people. Certainly God can use anyone He
chooses to represent him but when you examine the scriptures you’ll
see that God most often used those who were serious in their
relationships with Him and who had done the work to prepare
themselves for service. It’s possible but I doubt that God is going
to ‘zap’ you with sudden spiritual depth or increased commitment to
Him. It is through the small successes that He grows you into the
‘warrior’ you need to be for him. Like David, you must be willing to
do the small things and be willing to take risks that build your
spiritual character into what God wants. Remember, giants will
always come, masked as challenges or failures. Be like David; he
discovered that overcoming challenges was just a stone’s throw away!
Common Sense Application
1. On separate cards, write down at least
three of the major challenges you are facing right now. On each card
list the things that must happen for you to overcome that challenge,
leaving space to record when each thing is accomplished. Put the
cards in a prominent place where you will see them often
2. Make a list of the changes you need to make
in your life to create an atmosphere for learning and growth; habits
you must kick, disciplines you must embrace, commitments you must
make, etc.
3. Share your lists with a trusted friend who
will commit to pray for you to redirect your life. Be sure to
celebrate with Christian friends when God helps you overcome these
challenges.
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