It's the middle of the night. I lay quietly on my bed, but my mind is a whir of activity. Technically, work starts tomorrow, but my mind is already planning, making lists, thinking through problems, and replaying mistakes. Tears slowly trace their way down my cheeks. There is so much to do, and I feel completely unequipped or capable to complete everything. So many times, I feel like I'm told I can't do it, that I don't measure up, or that once again, I failed. But didn't God call me to this? I KNOW that God is faithful to help me do His will.
However, I think it is most often in the middle of the night that God shows me the greatest truths.
A quiet voice speaks in my heart's ear: "Barbara, have you read the story of David and Goliath?"
Of course I have, but not recently; and how does one answer God?
David, youngest of 7 boys, kept his father's sheep. When his older brothers joined King Saul in war against the Philistines, David's father sent him to check on his brothers and bear news of the battle. It was a simple assignment, and David was a faithful servant. However, David received a lot of abuse for his obedience.
Arriving on the battlefield, David found it empty. After seeing the defiance of Goliath, David was astonished at the fear of God's people. Who were they afraid of? God is bigger than any giant. He volunteered to fight the giant; for would not God protect His own name?
Eliab, David's brother, questioned the authenticity of David's assignment and accused him of pride and mischief.
Saul told David that he was too young for battle.
Saul tried to change David to make him "fit" for battle with his own armor.
Goliath mocked David's choice of weapons and his faith.
Nevertheless, it was David who slew the giant. It was David who saved the nation of Israel. And it was David who became king a few years later.
I feel I can very much relate to David. Commanded by God to do or go, and questioned, mocked, and discouraged by others. Yet David stood on God's faithfulness and the tools (gifts) God had given him.
David was Experienced: He had killed both a lion and a bear single-handedly.
David was Equipped: He brought his sling and five stones in his pouch.
David was Empowered: He was secure in His position with God, and knew God was on his side.
Once again the Lord softly whispered in my ear: "What are your lions, bears, and smooth stones, Barbara? I have given all you need. I chose you, gave you experience, equipped you, and empowered you. Why are you listening to lies?"
Now the tears were freely flowing down my cheeks. I CAN, indeed, do all things through Christ who strengthens me!
What are your lions, bears, and stones? I would love to hear them!
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