Stones of Faith: How God Prepares Us Individually for Battles and Equips Us to Bring Down Giants!

In the story of David and Goliath, we witness a powerful demonstration that God equips His champions (that's you) in unique ways for battle. David relies on his shepherd's sling and stones, rather than the conventional armor that everyone else was wearing for battle.

Scripture reminds us in Proverbs 3:5 that true strength lies not in outward appearances, but in faith (internal) and reliance on God. David, facing the imposing Philistine giant, Goliath, rejected the conventional armor offered by King Saul. Instead, he trusted in the weapons he was familiar with - his shepherd's sling and stones gathered from the brook.

King Saul, seeing David's youthful appearance, misjudges his capabilities. He offers him his own royal armor, a symbol of a seasoned warrior (1 Samuel 17:38). This gesture, though well-meaning, highlights the limitations of human perception. 1 Samuel 16:7 declares, "For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." We are prone to judge by appearances, but God sees the potential within each of us.

"Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. 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. 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, NIV)

Don’t take the weapons (of the world)  thinking they will work for you in the same way!

They won’t!

Your battles are firstly spiritual and the action

you take is your FAITH from the spiritual!

(Stick with me- It's an open-book test!)

Your battles are firstly spiritual and the action you take is your FAITH from the spiritual!

As we read above, David attempts to wear Saul's armor. However, he quickly realizes it hinders his movement and is ill-suited to his fighting style. This emphasizes the importance of embracing the unique gifts and experiences God has given each of us. Romans 12:6 encourages us to use the gifts we have received, and David's victory comes not by imitating Saul, but by utilizing his own skills with the sling and stones (1 Samuel 17:40).

Romans 12:6 states: "Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith;"

God's champions are uniquely equipped for battle, and their strength comes from their unwavering faith in HIM.

Then David said to the Philistine, 'You come to me with a sword and 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. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head.

Another crucial aspect to highlight is David's deliberate choice of words. Despite appearing least qualified and unprepared in human terms, David's faith-filled words were powerful. He didn't speak words of doubt or fear, but confidently declared the power of God. His speech reflected unwavering trust and reliance on the Almighty. This intentional use of words underscored David's conviction that the battle belonged to the Lord and that victory was assured through divine intervention.

David's backstory reveals the unexpected training ground for his future victory. He recounts facing lions and bears, protecting his sheep with nothing but his shepherd's tools (1 Samuel 17:34). This seemingly mundane experience becomes a testament to God's unseen preparation. The Bible reminds us that God works in all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

DO YOU

LOVE HIM?

Then, He is working it all out FOR YOUR GOOD!

Even the ordinary moments of our lives can be opportunities for growth and development, equipping us for future challenges.

David's reliance on God is the true source of his strength. The battle becomes a testament to God's power working through a seemingly ordinary young man. This victory echoes the words of 2 Corinthians 12:9: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

God uniquely prepares each of us for our journey. He equips us with specific skills, experiences, and faith to confront the giants in our lives. Despite outward appearances or societal norms, God sees the potential within us and calls us to trust in His provision. There's no room for comparison or conforming to worldly standards.

We must fix our gaze on Him and embrace the gifts He has given us. Even when progress seems elusive, remember Noah's perseverance in building the Ark. It took him many years, amidst skepticism and doubt, yet he remained faithful to God's calling. Likewise, our obedience and faithfulness in fulfilling our God-given purpose will ultimately lead to victory, for true success lies in surrendering to the power of the Almighty.

But how do we overcome the anxiety of delayed victories? How do we overcome continuing to believe when we don't see it? Let's ask God:

1 Peter 5:7 - "Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you."

Philippians 4:6-7 - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Isaiah 41:10 - "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Psalm 37:5 - "Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act."

Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Romans 12:12: "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." (NIV)

Psalm 37:7: "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes." (NIV)

David's actions were a powerful demonstration of trust and reliance on God (The Word of God), especially in the face of overwhelming odds. He didn't just cast his cares upon God; he actively stepped forward in faith, armed with the assurance that God was with him.

In essence, David's approach highlights a simple truth: he trusted in what he knew, avoiding the pitfalls of overcomplication. Similarly, faith is straightforward, as is God's guidance. Surrendering to His will is not complicated. It's always a choice.

Copyright © Amanda Allen, Kingdom Revelations, 2024. All rights reserved. This article may be shared with acknowledgment of the author and the original source. Artwork included.