“Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head.39 David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them. “I cannot go in these,” he said to Saul, “because I am not used to them.” So he took them off. 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.” 1 Samuel 17.38-40
Once King Saul decided to allow David to fight Goliath on the battlefield as a representative of the armies of Israel, he offered him his armor. David tried on the king’s armor, which was no small matter. Not only did it not fit well because he was unaccustomed to it, but it was also custom-made for the king. I can’t help but see this as a foreshadowing of the day David would become king.
These items did not fit David, so he removed them, choosing instead to rely on what he had brought with him—his staff. He also gathered five smooth stones from the stream. (Side note: I’ve been to the Valley of Elah, and I, too, picked up five smooth stones from the riverbed as I read and reflected on the story of David and Goliath. I’m sure many others have done the same!) David put the stones in his pouch, and, armed only with a sling, he approached the giant.
David prepared to face the giant by gathering his weapons, though they were primitive. His immediate preparation was important, but it wasn’t just what David did in that moment that enabled him to defeat Goliath—it was also what he had done beforehand. His experience protecting sheep had been vital preparation, as he had already killed both a lion and a bear. I imagine there were times in the fields when David questioned his purpose: “Why am I here, God?” “Don’t you have something more for me than protecting sheep?” Yet, through those seemingly mundane moments, God was preparing David for his future assignment.
I reflect on my own past ministry assignments—youth volunteer at First Methodist Church Kerrville, youth leader at First Methodist Church Somerset, KY, associate pastor at First Methodist Church Marble Falls, pastor at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Director of Youth for the Southwest Texas Conference, and Spiritual Life Director at Faith Academy. Each of these experiences prepared me to help lead both Revive and the Truett Wesley House. (Naming that list is fun for me!)
There were times when I asked God if I would ever have a greater influence. But we all have to begin somewhere—in work, family, business, and life. God uses what comes before to prepare us for what lies ahead.
Are you frustrated with where God has you now? Reflect on where He has brought you—the fruitfulness of your family, the success of your business, the impact of previous ministries. These moments are all leading toward continued service, and I believe, victory for the King.
So do not give up. Allow God to use your past to bless your present and future. You matter to God, and the impact you have for Him will last not just for a season but for eternity.
“Father, thank you for allowing me to have a path of ministry and fruitful work. Even though I am a sinner, saved by grace and far from perfect, you renew my strength. Like David, you use the weak, and through us, you reveal your strength. Come now, Holy Spirit; fill me with your love. Bless me, Lord; protect me; shield me with your power. For you are good, and your love endures forever.” Amen.