Pebble Power
In 1 Samuel 17, we find the iconic story of David and Goliath. The Philistine champion, Goliath, a giant clad in heavy armor, terrified the entire Israelite army. Even Israel's mightiest warriors wouldn't face him. But, a young shepherd boy named David stepped forward in faith.
David wasn't armed for traditional warfare, and he rejected the expertly crafted armor offered by King Saul. Instead, he selected a slingshot and stones. In comparison to what Goliath held, this insignificant weapon and ammunition (a smooth stone crafted by God himself) accomplished what was needed to defeat the Philistines.
David's declaration to Goliath rings true for the ages: "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied" (1 Samuel 17:45). Note that David didn't say, "I come against you with sling and small stone!" David did testify to Saul that he struck down lions and bears, but he didn't say it was because of his skill. He declared, "The Lord delivered me from them." David's confidence to defeat Goliath clearly wasn't in his own skill, strength, experience, or weaponry, but in the power and faithfulness of God.
When released by David, the smooth stone, a simple creation of God, became an instrument of victory. It reminds us that God can use anything – even the seemingly inadequate – to accomplish His will. Sometimes our challenges may appear like insurmountable giants, but with faith, even the smallest thing in our hand, when used in God's name, can bring about a mighty victory. And not just personal victories, but also corporate triumphs.
“David replied to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. Today the Lord will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel! And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us!””
1 Samuel 17:45-47.
What simple resources has the Lord given you that may seem insufficient? How could God use those to bring victory to difficult circumstances in your life?