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“And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.” 1 Samuel 17:40. This past week I felt the nudge of God to once again study the story of David and Goliath. This time it was different because God had me to focus on David’s preparation and not just the victory. David was not a warrior; he was a young inexperienced shepherd boy diligently tending to his flock. What David and those around him didn’t know was that this boy was chosen. He was a chosen vessel destined from creation to take down this giant and ultimately continue the lineage that led to our Savior, Jesus Christ. I would encourage you to re-read the story of David and Goliath this week with fresh eyes and mindful consideration. Can you relate to David in this season? Are you facing a Goliath that has been using his strength, stature and position to mock and try to intimidate you? After carefully studying this eminent Bible story, God revealed to me a fundamental truth I had seemingly overlooked for years. God was David’s armor- God was the proof.  “And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him.” 1 Samuel 17:39. The word prove in this context suggests that David was letting Saul know that not only is your armor too big for my adolescent body, but that he also has no experience or existence of truth that Saul’s armor would protect him. David felt as though he would be less effective if he wore armor he had not proved even though it was essentially the “best of the best” and “fit for a king”. In this moment, David knew that the battle would be won not by sword, but by the trust He had in the One true King and the armor of faith. “Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.” 1 Samuel 17:45. As I heard those words I could almost imagine myself looking on to this unlikely boy as he gathered his stones and prepared himself for combat. What an incredible feeling to have the faith of David, and the courage it took to stare his giant in the face and yell with confidence that you will not prevail! Friends, we have to remind ourselves that we are not that far removed from this extraordinary moment in history. The giant(s) in your life are standing at the battle line in front of you just waiting to devour you if only you would come a little closer. You should know though, the closer you get to the victory the louder they will yell, the more noise they will make, and their threats of defeat will only intensify. Don’t turn around, don’t back down and don’t allow their ruckus to become stronghold to your promise. Child of God, I encourage you to gather your stones and run full force over enemy lines today! “And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.”  1 Samuel 17:48. It doesn’t matter how much they run their mouths, flash their weapons or try and convince you of their “power” – they will not prevail if God’s will is on that line. Your lion, your bear nor your Goliath will win because you have the greatest ally on your side and His name is Jesus. I pray you revisit this story in the next few days and cling to the simple truth that with one smooth stone you can annihilate that enemy that stands in the path to your destiny if you are willing to go to war with the Lord in your pocket! 

“And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.” 1 Samuel 17:49. 

Blessings,

Kayla