Have you ever had someone tell you how to do something, you tried it their way, and it just didn’t work, so you ended up doing it your own way and it worked better? Their advice might have been good; it just was not the way you would do it. Sometimes we try to force ourselves into someone else’s style, voice, or strengths, only to realize we do our best when we move in the way God uniquely made us. That is exactly what happens in 1 Samuel 17.
Goliath, a Philistine giant, stands mocking Israel and challenging anyone to fight him. Fear grips the entire Israelite army, including King Saul, and no one is willing to step forward and fight (1 Samuel 17:4-11).
David, a young shepherd boy delivering pizza to his brothers, hears Goliath’s words and responds with confidence in God rather than fear of the enemy (1 Samuel 17:26). He remembers how God had already delivered him from a lion and a bear while he was tending sheep, showing that God had been preparing him long before this public moment (1 Samuel 17:34-37).
When Saul tries to put David in a coat of armor with a bronze helmet, David realizes he cannot fight in it. It does not fit, it does not feel natural, and it does not match the way God trained him. So David removes the armor and steps into battle with what he knows: a sling, stones, and faith in the Lord (1 Samuel 17:45-50).
I have often struggled with identity and confidence. Sometimes I have found myself thinking, I do not have what it takes. My voice does not matter. Has God actually called me to write and speak for Him? I am not funny enough, smart enough, or good enough at storytelling. I am afraid of public speaking. The list goes on and on.
But God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called. He is not asking me to be someone else. He is going to use me exactly as I am, with the gifts, strengths, mind, and voice He gave me. I do not need anyone else’s armor. God will use the sling and the stones that I already have.
So today, be reminded that David’s victory was not about becoming Saul; it was about trusting God’s specific calling for his life. And just like David, you do not need to copy someone else to fulfill your calling. God made you for a purpose, and He will use every flaw, every mistake, and even the things you wish you could change to impact others for Jesus. When you step into who God made you to be, He can do more through your life than you could ever imagine.
The Bigger Picture: Stop trying to fight in the wrong armor. Trust who God made you to be, lean on His strength, and fight with the weapons He has already given you.
The Bigger Picture 