Starting Out on the Right Foot
Then he took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones from the brook and put them in his shepherd’s pouch. His sling was in his hand and he approached the Philistine…so David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him.
1 Samuel 17:40 & 50 ESV
Yes, I admit it, I did try to do a Bible study without looking up the passage in the Bible. It was a familiar story, David and Goliath. If you grew up in church you heard that story over and over. So, in my great wisdom, I tried to answer all the questions without even opening God’s Word.
Could I answer the questions correctly? Technically, yes. Did I miss out on some of the lessons in the passage? Wholeheartedly, yes! Proven when, after the conviction of the Holy Spirit, I did read not only the passage, but beyond.
Lesson number one for me – David had to pick up just the right weapons to defeat Goliath. I have to pick up and open my Bible to do a Bible study and to prepare for life. Duly noted and have taken this lesson to heart.
Lesson number two – David gathered five smooth stones for his bag not just the one needed to kill Goliath. Did that show a lack of faith on his part? I do not believe so. He planned ahead for what might happen after Goliath went down. He did what God told him to do. He chose his weapons wisely and with clarity.
Spiritual preparedness never goes to waste. That brings me back to my first lesson. God graciously gave us the Bible, his very own Word, to help us on our journey of life. His wisdom, commands, and words of compassion prove the best ammunition against our enemy, Satan. An open Bible, when used, is powerful. David experienced victory over his giant and we can over ours too.
God, thank you for the conviction of your Spirit when we make an unwise decision. The truth of your Word draws us to it. We praise you for your provision of just the right wisdom, just the right weapon, at just the right time.
Susan Partida
