“What have I done now?…I was only asking a question”, he said. “I can’t go in these”, he protested. “I’m not used to them, so he took them off. He was cursed  as the giant came to him with sword, spear and javelin. Reaching into his shepherd’s bag and taking out a stone, he hurled it with his sling and hit the Philistine in the forehead. The stone sank in and Goliath stumbled and fell face down on the ground.”

No this isn’t a fairy tale or a work of fiction, it is one of my favorite truths of the bible; a young  boy named David whom God used to kill the giant Goliath that had mocked and ridiculed him. Even his brothers chastised him, telling him he should have been home caring for the sheep which was his job as a shepherd.

When David convinced those around him that God would enable him to slay the giant, they instructed him to “suit up” in a coat of mail. It was too cumbersome for David, so he was armed only with his small bag of stones and sling. He knew he needed nothing more, for God was his weapon and strength.  God chooses those He will use. Their might and power from God  can’t stop even a nine foot giant, as in Samuel 17

David has always been one of God’s children whom I never tire of studying. He was a  man that God chose to use, but then David allowed his “earthly self” to take over during times of his life, but God’s plan for David couldn’t deter what the future held. From success to failure to success, reining as King of Israel.  Isn’t this so akin to persons thousands of years later?

When King Saul called David to play his harp he couldn’t have imagined that a short time later King Saul would seek to kill David. Jealousy had overtaken Saul. However, Jonathan, Saul’s son loved David and made a pact with him that he would not only be his friend for life, but he would protect him. As we continue reading the story in Samuel, the devotion Jonathan had for David is unlike friendships of our era. Seldom does anyone have a stronger concern for a friend than for their own family.

The story of David’s life should be a reminder to each of us that when we allow God to use us as He planned, He will protect us through all circumstances. I can personally reflect on my life and wonder why God has allowed situations as He has. Yet, as I’ve stated often in my blogs, God’s plans are truly perfect. In my life I’m beginning to understand God had to remove some persons and situations so  He could fulfill His plan.

We are not kings, nor have we slain tens of thousands of men or even a giant, but God can use us in mighty ways as He did with David.  A couple of weeks ago, as I was having my quiet time, I prayed, “God please use me in anyway you choose, for here I am Lord.” Within the hour, He was showing me that if I was sincere in offering my service to Him, He was sincere in using me. We can all be Davids for the Lord.

David cries out to God, but also praises God in one of the most beautiful books of the bible, the Book of Psalms. In Psalm 118:8, NLT,  we are reminded, “it is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people.”