FIVE SMOOTH STONES
Then he took his staff in his hand; and he chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag, in a pouch which he had, and his sling was in his hand. And he drew near to the Philistine.
David’s victory over the Giant Goliath is one of the most famous Bible stories of all time. While bringing provisions to his three older brothers, David, then a young shepherd, learns that the Philistine Giant has challenged any Israelite in single combat. David was angry when he found out that none of his countrymen would accept the challenge, and then David agreed to battle the giant himself.
The Bible carefully tells in detail the armor of both contestants. It describes Goliath’s immense armor, whose mass is as impressive as its owner’s size. In contrast, King Saul attempts to fit David’s small stature with his own armor. Instead, David chooses a less is more approach to choosing what he used in the past as a shepherd like what we see in today’s Bible verse.
“Then he took his staff in his hand; and he chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag, in a pouch which he had, and his sling was in his hand. And he drew near to the Philistine.” (1 Samuel 17:40)
David was armed only with his confidence in God, a sling, and five smooth stones. He killed the giant and triumphed in the middle of an impossible circumstance.
How do we defeat the giants that are keeping us from being the person God wants us to be? If we want to have faith with a dream and a life work, do the very things that David did to defeat the giants of fear, sickness, delay, discouragement, disapproval, and doubt.
“Moreover David said, “The LORD, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the LORD be with you!”” (1 Samuel 17:37)
Just like David, we need to remember how God has helped us in the past. When we remember the ways that God has helped us in the past, it gives us confidence for the future. Then we can use the tools God has given us now, just like David used, the tools that God provided that utilized his strengths.
“So Saul clothed David with his armor, and he put a bronze helmet on his head; he also clothed him with a coat of mail. David fastened his sword to his armor and tried to walk, for he had not tested them. And David said to Saul, “I cannot walk with these, for I have not tested them. ” So David took them off. Then he took his staff in his hand; and he chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag, in a pouch which he had, and his sling was in his hand. And he drew near to the Philistine.” (1 Samuel 17:38-40)
Do not wait for something we do not have for God to work in our lives. Use the tools God has already given us to face our giants with confidence. David had to encourage himself in the Lord.
When we encourage ourselves in the Lord, it is not just a positive mental attitude. There is a trust placed in God’s grace, provision, security, and power that creates our faith. Then, with that faith, expect God to help you for His glory.
“Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.” (1 Samuel 17:45-46)
God will use anybody who will trust Him and expect to be used by Him, not because of who we are, but because it brings God glory.
How do you defeat the fears that keep you from being the person God wants you to be?
Heavenly Father, Just like You provided David’s victory over the Giant Goliath, You have provided victory in my circumstances. Just like David said, The LORD, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine. David had the confidence and trust in his God. We, too, can have that trust in You, Father, as we are meditating in Your Word day and night. We must not let the enemy of fear in to steal, kill, and destroy. We trust You, and we expect to be used by You to bring You glory. When I encourage myself in the Lord, it is not just a positive mental attitude. There is a trust placed in Your grace, provision, security, and power that creates my faith. Then, with that faith, I expect You to help me for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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God Will Use Anybody Who Will Trust Him And Expect To Be Used By Him, Not Because Of Who We Are But Because It Brings God Glory.
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