Scripture:

“David told Saul, ‘I can’t even move with all this stuff on me. I’m not used to this.’ And he took it all off.

 

Then David took his shepherd’s staff, selected five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in the pocket of his shepherd’s pack, and with his sling in his hand approached Goliath. As the Philistine paced back and forth, his shield bearer in front of him, he noticed David. He took one look down on him and sneered—a mere youngster, apple-cheeked and peach-fuzzed.

 

The Philistine ridiculed David. ‘Am I a dog that you come after me with a stick?’ And he cursed him by his gods.

 

‘Come on,’ said the Philistine. ‘I’ll make roadkill of you for the buzzards. I’ll turn you into a tasty morsel for the field mice.’

 

David answered, ‘You come at me with sword and spear and battle-ax. I come at you in the name of God-of-the-Angel-Armies, the God of Israel’s troops, whom you curse and mock. This very day Godis handing you over to me. I’m about to kill you, cut off your head, and serve up your body and the bodies of your Philistine buddies to the crows and coyotes. The whole earth will know that there’s an extraordinary God in Israel. And everyone gathered here will learn that God doesn’t save by means of sword or spear. The battle belongs to God—he’s handing you to us on a platter!’

 

That roused the Philistine, and he started toward David. David took off from the front line, running toward the Philistine. David reached into his pocket for a stone, slung it, and hit the Philistine hard in the forehead, embedding the stone deeply. The Philistine crashed, facedown in the dirt.” 1 Samuel 17: 39b-49 (MSG)

 

Perspective:

David was going to advance against a warrior at least twice his size. He believed that God would give him victory. He took off the expectations of others and prepared himself for the battle using a unique approach. He would use a sling shot and stone, which seems primitive, but was actually a means of self defense used in that day. Sending a stone through the air at high speeds by a skilled person could inflict harm. In discussing David and Goliath, focus on the arsenal that David used has been prevalent. Yet, less attention has been given to how many stones were in his pocket. He didn’t just pick up one; he picked up five and put them in his pocket. He still believed God, but he was prepared. Each step he took toward Goliath would have included feeling the four additional stones in his pocket. If the battle didn’t go well, he could reach in his pocket and try again.

 

We face challenges on an ongoing basis. Yet, sometimes it can feel like we show up with very little preparation for the battle ahead. How many of us are facing our lives with only one stone in our pocket? David needed to know he could reach into his pocket and grab another if he needed it. Preparation pays dividends when we are in the trenches. What are you preparing so you have something in your pocket when you need it? Preparation is not glamorous or spectacular. It looks a lot like cultivating daily disciplines and facing small challenges with courage. It includes refining our skills and allowing God to grow our capacity. When we have prepared, we can face insurmountable odds with great courage because we are confident in the God who fights for us and how we have allowed Him to equip us before we ever step foot on the battlefield. David had spent years in the countryside, defending his sheep, and preparing for battle. Before you advance, you may need to step back and put a few more stones in your pocket that you can use in the future.

 

Scripture taken from THE MESSAGE. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002.  Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. 

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About Hona Amer

I help people live life to the fullest. Check out my book, Smart Work U. Follow me on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. In order to receive updates, subscribe below.

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