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Essential Practicals:
Does Your Armor Fit?
Everyone knows the story of David and Goliath. David the young man, Goliath the battle-seasoned warrior-giant, and the quick victory that brought God glory. There is an important lesson for us to learn from the way that David approached this battle.
1 Samuel 17:38-39, So Saul clothed David with his armor, and he put a bronze helmet on his head; he also clothed him with a coat of mail. David fastened his sword to his armor and tried to walk, for he had not tested them. And David said to Saul, “I cannot walk with these, for I have not tested them.” So David took them off.
Saul decided to dress David in his own armor. It seems logical, for him to face a giant he would need as much protection as possible, right? But David does the unthinkable and refuses the protection.
Put yourself in David’s sandals for a moment…There you are, staring up at this giant. He is big, he is mean, he is strong, his weapons are powerful, his defenses are impressive and you are a simple shepherd. Does it give you a little shiver down your spine? Would you be willing to wear Saul’s armor?
David refused Saul’s armor because he had not tested, or proven, the armor. It was not his. If David had owned his own armor, he certainly would have worn it, but shepherds do not wear armor. Instead, David used what he did have, and trusted God to do the rest.
This is the lesson that you must learn to prepare you for the giants you will face. We all have to face giants. Our giants come in the shape of spiritual war, or difficult problems, or hard-headed people, or impossible situations, etc.
And there you are, staring up at this big problem. Now what? Follow the example of David and refuse to wear someone else’s armor. Do not attack the problem with someone else’s words, techniques, experiences.
Approach the giants you face with your own relationship with God. Use the tools He has given you in your devotional life. Use the lessons He has taught you. Use the Scriptures that have impacted you deeply. Even if it feels like what you have is just a simple sling, use what you have experienced personally with God, and trust Him for the rest.