1 Samuel 17:40-41
Verse 40 Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.
Now that he has convinced King Saul that he can’t use the king’s armor, David sets off to gather his arsenal. It may not have been the most modern of equipment but David had no doubt of his ability to use it and more importantly God’s ability to use it.
While David would choose each stone carefully he knew that he was only choosing what God was going to use to conquer this man that was mocking God and His chosen people. David was skilled with his slingshot but he trusted God to be the one guiding the stone to its target. The stream where he was choosing the stones may have been in the very valley where the armies were camped on opposing sides. In fact it is possible that as David was choosing his stones, he was being watched by both sides.
As he picked up each stone and examined it he either put it into his pouch or put it back in the stream bed. David was a harpist and so his fingers would have had a special sensitivity to the surface of the stones, were they smooth enough to fly straight or have too many rough spots to accurately fly as desired. The right stones were important. David knew God was going to make it happen but he had to do his best to represent Him.
After choosing the stones he once again picks up his staff in one hand and his sling in the other and stood to take the walk into battle. We can almost find ourselves holding our breath in unison with the Israelites as he walks across the valley towards the enemy army. As David looks towards the enemy camp he sees the opponent and his armor bearer starting his way. David’s heart must have been racing at that moment but he was likely praying fervently too. He knew God had this but he was still human with human emotions.
There are battles in our lives too where we can be called to stand up for God. We need to choose the right weapons to stand up for Him. But first we need to understand what David did, the battle is really the Lord’s and if we are living in obedience to Him, He will give us what we need to stand for Him. Think about it, God had created the stones that were going to be chosen by David before either David or Goliath were born. God will always supply what we need to stand for Him.
Making It Personal
When have you been in a battle for the Lord? What weapon did you need to stand for Him? How did He provide?
Making It Personal Kids
Have you ever had to stand up for Jesus? Did you know how to stand up for Him? How does He help you stand up for Him?
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for always providing what we need to stand up for You. Give us the wisdom we need to know when people are offending us or offending You and give us the tools to stand up and fight for You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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