Prepare Yourself

One of the things that never ceases to amaze is how I can read a portion of scripture over and over, yet every time I read it, God instructs me in something brand new. Recently, the Holy Spirit directed me to the story of David and Goliath. I cannot tell you how many times I have read this story, yet this time was the sweetest so far!

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In the chapter before this story, David had just been anointed by the prophet Samuel to become the next King of Israel. The Spirit of God was strong with this young man, and was already shaping him into a true soldier of the Lord. David was traveling back and forth between his father's home and King Saul's household (for he had found favor as a musician in Saul's household), tending to his obligations at home as well as his obligations in the King's household. The story between David and the giant begins in 1 Samuel 17. At this time, the Philistines were gathered together for war against the Israelites and had brought forth an enormous man as a challenger. David, being sent with provisions for his brothers who had gone up to fight, arrived as the man Goliath came out to give his daily challenge. As the giant came out, slandering the name of the Lord as well as the people of Israel, David became enraged that Goliath would dare to "taunt the armies of the living God" (1 Samuel 17:26). Everywhere he looked, though, the Israelites were afraid and not one of the trained soldiers were able to bring themselves to go out to face the giant.

David then went before King Saul, declaring that he himself would go out to face this giant. At first, Saul attempted to discourage him. "You are too young" as well as "You are not skillfully trained as a warrior" were the Kings fears for this Young man of Israel. Yet David took confidence in the Lord and trusted the training as a shepherd (fighting off bears and lions by himself) he received just by working in his father's fields.  Saul reluctantly agreed, but tried to prepare David by suiting him up in a robe and full armor (17:38). As David moved around, he knew the armor to be too cumbersome--therefore more of a hindrance than a help. It was not fitted for David. Even a man with no training in warfare will realize the risk of going out to battle in armor that does not fit. David then took the armor off--the only physical protection he would be able to have--and picked up 5 smooth stones. These 5 stones, though simple, would have been a familiar feel in his hands. In those long days defending the sheep, David became skilled in using his slingshot. It was a weapon he had known all his days as a shepherd--a weapon he had tested and found true. David then went out and, in the powerful name of the Lord God, was victorious over his adversary--much to everyone's disbelief. The name of the Lord was exalted in a courageous, young, faithful heart.

Although you could branch off on so many aspects of this incredible story, the thing that God really impressed upon my heart was the scene between Saul and David. Saul, after taking David into his household, was concerned for the young man. Saul was a trained warrior. He knew the physical and impossible odds of sending a man which had little (or no) combat training against a man who had been trained his entire life. He wanted to equip David in the best way he could, which was to offer him protection and at least some sort of defense. However, when David took up the armor given, he found it would only become a hindrance. It was too big, preventing him from free movement. He removed the armor with the confidence that the Lord Himself would take care of him. David knew that his hands were equipped for the task and that the Lord was with him--despite appearances. (Such remarkable Faith. Whew.)

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The Lord really showed me a simple trutht: this is exactly how it is for us. In our lives, we have people that want the best for us--to see us succeed and to accomplish great things. We will have those that offer good advice, healthy tips, child training advice or even financial help--all given out of hearts wanting to protect and help us. Yet, just as David tried on the armor, it feels cumbersome and it becomes a hindrance instead of a help. David was not out to glorify his own name, to become wealthy, popular or even as a jab to family that rebuked him. David was out to defend the name of God, for David loved the Lord his God. Just in this way, we must test the armor others offer to gird us with. I keep thinking about everyone graduating this spring (Congratulations!) and for those who are uncertain of what is next, they might very well face a downpour of "helpful advice" about what to do next. Let me just encourage you...God knows you. He knows you personally. His call for your life is the ultimate call, because He Himself made you. If you are willing to follow Him, asking for His purpose and plan to be done--brace yourself. You're in for the ride of a lifetime! :) And as everyone begins to offer different types of armor to suit you up with, take it to the foot of the Cross. Pour out your heart before a gentle and compassionate God, a God who is not intimidated by ANYTHING, much-less all of your unknown questions! He knows.

For those of us who are not graduating, I urge you to take all the latest "best tips" (whether it's the "cure-all" vinegar tips, or even how to discipline your children in a godly manner)--all the things that people tell us is "the best answer for a better you" (in other words, armor)--to the foot of the One who Created your fingerprints and who knows every fiber of your DNA. Ask the Lord His opinion on things, because He actually cares about you. Truly. Remember, anything that is not of God--not specifically fitted to you by the Ultimate Craftsman--will only become a hindrance to you walking in Victory over a very real enemy. Look to the Lord to fit you for battle, and take up HIS armor!


Looking to Him,

"Put on the full Armor of God" ~Eph. 6:10-18~