“Then he took his staff in his hand; and he chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag, in a pouch which he had, and his sling was in his hand…Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied….So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. But there was no sword in the hand of David.”

‭‭I Samuel‬ ‭17:40, 45, 50‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

The story of Samuel anointing David is such an inspiring one. The famous quote that G-d looks at the heart, not at physical stature or physical beauty, is one I’ve found comfort in over the years. 

David was clearly a man of great courage and even greater passion. In today’s reading he describes how he killed a lion and bear with his mere hands. He was incensed over the mocking of the Philistines, and his passion for G-d as the One True G-d caused him to rise up against their great champion. 

But here’s the thing that stood out to me today- David entered the battle in the name of the Lord with his calling and the tools of his calling – and nothing else. 

David was a shepherd. He carried his staff, a pouch, and 5 smooth stones – all things he would use AS a shepherd – into a battle with absolute confidence he would win. And when Saul gave him armor to wear, thinking to prepare David for battle and to protect him, David cast it off because he hadn’t tested it.

Could the gifts and talents G-d has placed within me be weapons for war? Could it be He has been sharpening and smoothing those gifts and talents for such a time as this?

It’s something to ponder. 

Father – I need Your grace. Help me to understand Your ways and Your will for me in this season. Help me see those things worth fighting for. You are good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted.  Amen. 

Daily Reading: I Samuel 15-17