Oversize Armor

“Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)

The Israelites were trembling in their sandals. Goliath terrorized them by day and haunted their dreams at night. A teenage shepherd told the king he would fight the giant, with God’s help, and, lo and behold, the king agreed. King Saul brought out his personal arsenal for battle, but he stood a head taller than other people (1 Samuel 10:23), and the armor was too big for David. For the full account, read 1 Samuel 17.

How would the narrative have been different, had David done things Saul’s way?

How are our stories constrained by doing things like everyone else?

Just like God equipped a shepherd boy to fight a giant, and one day become king, He has equipped each of us with the tools to write His story.

Exercise:

• Don’t compare yourself to others. Do look at what God is doing in your life. (Galatians 6:4-5) Make a list of places you have placed articles and celebrate your accomplishments!
• What has God called you to do, that only you can do (Ephesians 2:10)? Write it down.
• What specific gifts are in your wheelhouse? 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
• Is your armor the wrong size? (1 Samuel 17:38-39) What are you trying to imitate instead of adding your personal spin?
• So many of us suffer with “self issues.” Either we’re too big for our britches or we think the pants are too big for us to fill. (Exodus 4:13)
• Are you trying to keep up appearances or are you working to obey God’s prompts? (“To obey is better than sacrifice.” 1 Samuel 15:22)
• How’s your faith? Write out 2 Corinthians 9:8. Do you believe the Lord can do this?
• Write out Ephesians 3:20-21. What about God makes us think He can’t accomplish what He’s asked us to do?
• Believe in your calling and persevere. Galatians 6:9-10
• What do you need to ask God for, today? (James 1:5)

God had the prophet anoint David to be the next king, not because he was a perfect leader, but David was chosen for his heart for God. Is the Lord looking for someone like you?

What gave David confidence? He didn’t place faith in himself, but in God (1 Samuel 17:36-37). So, trust God’s calling and character, and lean in to the job He’s given you. The battle is the Lord’s! (1 Samuel 17:47)

Over 140 of Sally Ferguson’s devotionals have been published in Pathways to God (Warner Press). She’s also written for Light From The Word, Chautauqua Mirror, Just Between Us, Adult Span Curriculum, Thriving Family, Upgrade with Dawn and ezinearticles.com. Prose Contest Winner at 2017 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference.

Sally loves organizing retreats and seeing relationships blossom in time away from the daily routine. Her ebook, How to Plan a Women’s Retreat is available on Amazon.

Sally Ferguson lives in the beautiful countryside of Jamestown, NY with her husband and her dad.

Visit Sally’s blog at www.sallyferguson.net