This morning I read the familiar passage in 1 Samuel 17 of the young David’s defeat of Goliath with the stone and the sling.
I’m struck once again with how God used David just as he was. Of course others suggested sophisticated weaponry and clothing, but none of it felt comfortable to David because he “was not used to them.”
He moved forward in God’s strength as himself–in his shepherd’s outfit and pouch. How silly it must have seemed to both the Israelites and the Philistines! How embarrassing!
But David secures a great victory in this authentic moment.
When God gives a new assignment, especially an intimidating one, I’m always tempted to copy great people or slowly become a different, artificial leader because of who I think I’m supposed to be. But young David’s victory reminds me again to stand as myself with my own stones in hand.
