Last week I shared some of the story of David and Goliath. David’s faith in God is so encouraging to me. He willingly went into battle to face a giant because he knew it wasn’t his battle to face.
When David first approached Saul to volunteer, Saul insisted that David wear his battle armor.
1 Samuel 17: 38 “Then Saul clothed David with his armor. He put a helmet of bronze on his head and clothed him with a coat of mail, 39 and David strapped his sword over his armor. And he tried in vain to go, for he had not tested them. Then David said to Saul, “I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them.” So David put them off.”
David knew that he didn’t have the proper armor.
Can you imagine entering into battle without the proper armor?!
But God gave David JUST what he needed.
As a shepherd, David often used a slingshot to ward off animals seeking to hurt his sheep. I imagine that he was quite proficient with that slingshot…a weapon he practiced with often.
He may not have been able to wield a sword like the top warriors, but he didn’t need the best fitting armor or the sharpest sword. David had the perfect weapon and God had given him plenty of opportunities to prepare to use it.
40 “Then he took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones from the brook and put them in his shepherd’s pouch. His sling was in his hand, and he approached the Philistine.”
God has been preparing me as well.
Preparing me to chase my dreams, preparing me to stand in the battles that will come at me.
It seems that the more I chase my God-sized dreams, I find myself in the front lines of battle with the enemy. A friend once told me that the enemy attacks those that he considers a threat…so consider an attack a compliment that you are doing God’s work! 🙂
The attacks can come in many forms.
Discouragement that I won’t be good enough….
Lies telling me that because I am failure so often, with my husband…my kids…how can I possibly share about my relationship with God here?
But God has surrounded me with His Truth.
He has shown me that my best “voice” is one that is proclaiming the truth that I AM a hypocrite – every day! But because of God’s AMAZING grace…I have the opportunity to share about His redeeming love.
As I chase these dreams, big and scary dreams…..dreams that feel out of reach and impossible, I am reminded that just like David, God is equipping me.
We are in training, can you see that?!
Maybe our “weapon” will be the stories that bring light to a dark world. (<==== Click to Tweet)
If we have God’s word on our heart, in our minds…if we have His plans in our focus…..we have the right armor on and we have nothing to fear!
In Holley’s Devotional she says this: “People may not understand. What you have in your hands or heart may seem small or even strange to them. But that’s exactly what creates the opportunity for God to do the unexpected. It sets the scene for giants to fall. For battles to be won. For God-sized dreams to come scandalously, miraculously true.”
Are you allowing God to do the unexpected in your life? If not – what is holding you back? Please leave a comment and allow me the honor of praying over those things with you…..we are in this battle together friends!
I am sharing stories of chasing dreams with my sisters over at God-sized Dreams…join us?!
“It seems that the more I chase my God-sized dreams, I find myself in the front lines of battle with the enemy.” Oh Kristin – amen and amen on that one! I do take it as a compliment and have gotten to the point where, when things are going too smoothly I almost have to wonder if I need to be concerned haha! The enemy only takes on those he sees as a threat 🙂 Thanks for the reminder of how God has and continues to equip me in the pursuit of what He’s given me to do.
Oh I have done the same thing!! 🙂 It was a reminder that I needed this week as well!
Thanks for the encouraging post. The big message to me was “God gave David JUST what he needed.”
God knows the beginning and the end. He is in control of my whole life. He will give me just what I need. The battle is His. Lord, help me to trust You through all my insurmountable mountains which are so big.
Elaine – what a beautiful prayer….yes trusting God in ALL things, even when they seem so big!!
Kristin,
I needed to hear your words about God equipping us for our dreams and not to let discouragement crowd out what God wants us to do. Always love hearing your heartfelt thoughts!
Thank you so much Valerie – I haven’t had a chance to read your post…headed there now! 🙂
Kristin,
SO love how you’re diving in to the story of David-so much to glean from this imperfect man of God! I think my favorite part is where you say, “Can you imagine entering into battle without the proper armor?! But God gave David JUST what he needed.” The tools we need to fulfill our dreams may not look anything like what we think they should be-but God always, ALWAYS gives us what we need! Love that reality! Thank you friend for sharing amazing truth! ♥
I have loved seeing this story through new eyes!! Thanks for your encouragement friend!