Crocker preached on David and Goliath yesterday....and it reminded me of one of my favorite "faith lessons" while studying in Israel. The Story of David and Goliath.
One of our first stops in Israel was to the Valley of Elah, where David fought Goliath.
It was as hot as a South Texas summer afternoon....and we stared at a dry riverbed. I was pretending to remember what had happened in this place....as our leader Ray VanderLaan asked us each to grab a small, smooth stone, just like David did.
Aha! I think know this one!
We were then taught the ancient story...and quickly realized how applicable it is to our modern day lives.
David was gifted at throwing stones. (Remember he had killed lions and bears in order to protect his sheep...and probably himself.) He was very well practiced.
God made him for throwing stones.
So....that is what he did....He threw stones....in order to give direction to sheep, as well as protect them. It must have felt like a monotonous day after day activity. Although this gift from God became monumental in his faith....and in ours.
David Threw His Stone.
The miracle of David and Goliath was not David’s marksmanship. It was David’s faith and coming to the battle field when he was needed....he used the gift God gave him.
A little tidbit- Saul is from the tribe of Benjamin- the one thing the tribe of Benjamin was known for? "Their special detachment of left handed men, each that were gifted with the sling."
"Among Benjamin’s elite troops, 700 were left-handed, and each of them could sling a rock and hit a target within a hairsbreadth without missing." ~Judges 20:16
Um. what?
Little David was not the guy that was supposed to be out there with a sling- SAUL WAS.
To human eyes.
Our David knew better....he was man after God's Own Heart....he stepped up...had confidence in God...and wanted the whole world to know it.
What are you doing today that feels average? You might be surprised to know....that God is preparing you and me, for something bigger He might want us to do with it.
I believe that God calls each and every one of us to throw our stones.
So what's Your stone? Being a mom? Being funny? Writing, teaching, baking? Are you a thoughtful gift giver? Are you level headed advice giver? Are you the caretaker? Don't have a clue what your stone is? ASK HIM. No matter what it is....since God gave you the talent...He can use it.
When we throw our stones we are showing God that we are willing...and trusting in His Power and not our own.
God, Thank You for giving us stones----help us to throw them for Your Glory.
In His Dust,
DCC
