Read the full story of David and Goliath here. You may also want to checkout part 1 and part 2 in this David and Goliath series.

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

At first glance the armor Saul provides for David seems like it would be most suitable for the task at hand.  That is, until David tried to walk in them.  If David had tried to use them in battle Saul’s armor and his sword would have been a hinderance for David, perhaps even lead to his demise against Goliath.  So instead of choosing the big and showy weapons David chose his humble ones.  He chose to go into battle with nothing more than a staff, a sling and some stones; weapons that he was familiar with; weapons that the Lord had already given him the opportunity to use (1 Samuel 17:34-36).

Today I ask myself, what are my weapons?  What tools has God already given me to use in spreading the Gospel? Am I using those tools or am I trying to fit into someone else’s?  God gives us each different talents, different gifts, different skill sets and He wants us to use those for His glory, not someone else’s.

There have been many times in my life when I tried to fit into someone else’s armor.  I’ve tried my hand at leading worship, working in children’s ministries, and even leading bible studies.  Obviously all of these things are good and necessary but they just didn’t fit me, they weren’t what I was called to do.  Like David trying to fit into Saul’s armor, I was trying to wear someone else’s ministry and it just didn’t work quite right.

We all have a ministry and if you are like me you have probably been attracted to those that may seem a little glamorous.  But I encourage you to look at what God has already equipped you with, for me it is an ability to blog (humble and common, yes?).  Your talent may seem humble like David’s sling and stones, but I assure you that when faithfully used for God’s kingdom it will be pleasing to the Lord.

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. ~ 1 Peter 4:10-11

Lord in Heaven, thank You for Your word and allowing us to see how the story of David and Goliath can be applied to our lives today.  Help us to use the knowledge and skills that You have already given us to serve others, spread the gospel, and bring glory to Your name.  For those that are unaware of their own talents, please help them to see what You have gifted them with.  Help them to see Your will for their lives and their value in Your kingdom.  I ask this in Your perfect holy name.  Amen.

I hope my thoughts help you understand how this scripture can be applied to our modern lives, but don’t just take my word for it.  Dive into The Bible yourself, pray, and ask the Lord to reveal His truth to you.

Have a question or a thought?  Please feel free to leave a comment.