tool (noun): a device or implement, especially one held in the hand, used to carry out a particular function
Most, if not all of us, are familiar with the story of David and Goliath right? The incredible story of a young shepherd who brought down a giant. It's truly moving and definitely something to aspire to. Now giants can represent so many things in our lives and we all have them, unfortunately. Thankfully, God only allows Goliath to come our way to help us. Before you shoot the messenger, hear me out...
Let's take a look at the description of David and Goliath, starting with Goliath (cos that's more fun!). In 1 Samuel 17:4, Goliath is described as a champion whose height was 'six cubits and a span'; that's basically 9"6! David, in 1 Samual 6:12 is described as "ruddy" and "goodly to look at"; I think we can agree that means David was good looking! The physical descriptions are only to give us a visual image of what the battle would've looked like. What's more important are the details of the main event, you know, the one where David killed Goliath.
When I was reading this passage (1 Samuel 17), there were a number of things that struck me:
David showed great courage, humility and faith (v32)
David seemingly had no experience of battles as he was so young, whereas Goliath was trained to be a soldier from his youth (v33)
David's experiences were vastly different from Goliath - he killed a lion that attacked his sheep whereas Goliath would've taken numerous lives as a soldier (v34 & 35)
David's mentality throughout the whole incident was one of complete trust and faith in God. He remembered God's faithfulness during his time as a shepherd - if God delivered him from the mouth of the lion then of course He would deliver him from Goliath; simple! (v37)
Those who saw David had doubts and were probably right to do so. I mean, what business does a shepherd have fighting a seasoned warrior? I'm sure we have all been in situations where we have questioned ourselves and our ability to deal with certain situations. David had the right idea. He didn't focus on where he was coming from; rather, he focused on what tools he possessed. I'm not speaking of physical tools although that would be relevant in this context. I'm speaking of David's fearlessness and courage as well as his unwavering faith in God.
When we are in those situations where we don't seem to have the right 'tools', why don't we think of the tools we do have? With David's sling, he was able to kill a giant. Others would've used swords to do the same job but the big difference is that even with the sword, those guys would not have won. The point I'm trying to make here is that David was clearly chosen by God to kill Goliath and he had already equipped David with everything he needed to defeat Goliath.
You don't believe me? Joseph had dreams before he was imprisoned in Egypt. Jesus's disciples were already fishermen; they knew how to catch fish and simply transferred those skills to fishing for men instead (Matthew 4:19)! There are other examples where God equipped His servants to do His work but maybe they (or others) looked down on those skills and made it seem like not enough. Saul, before he became Paul, showed such passion and zeal that God used this energy for His own purpose.
Today, I would like to encourage you to really think (and pray) about what 'tools' God has equipped you with. Do not look down on them, or allow others to do the same. The gifts, tools, skills, personality that God has given you is what makes you who you are and the world, needs that. God needs that! Choose to surrender yourself to God and with your faith, you will be amazed how many Goliaths you bring down. The secret to how David defeated wasn't a super sling; it was the faith He had in God which made that sling the most powerful weapon on earth!