The story of David and Goliath is one which not only is familiar to many, but infuses us all to be courageous and have faith in God no matter the challenges we face.
Returning to the story once again, I took note of something else.
When David volunteers to fight the giant, Saul recognizes that he is but a youth. He has doubts of David’s ability.
David assures Saul of his ability by stating other conquests he has fought and won. David declares:
“The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, he will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” (1 Samuel 17:37, NKJV)
David’s confidence is in God, who was with him.
Saul responds, “Go, and the Lord be with you!” (also verse 37)
Saul then does something quite interesting. He clothes David with his armor – a bronze helmet, and Saul’s coat, and then strapped his sword to the armor. Then he tried to walk.
David found he was unable to walk. Saul was a much bigger man than David and so the armor and helmet was not a proper fit. And so, Scripture tells us, “David took them off” (verse 39).
Saul was a valiant warrior and was simply trying to offer David a safe means to battle. David quickly discovered what had worked for Saul would not work for him.
We need to discern when something is meant for us. It will perfectly suit our personalities and abilities. It won’t feel awkward or clumsy. We will move forward in peace and the assurance of our calling.
God created us with unique personalities and bents.
May we let the Lord train us and teach us,
after all, it is He who has designed us.
Often we can be focused on getting to our goal, which can even be a good thing. But is it always what God would desire for us? That is the question. In her post, When You’re Afraid of Missing God’s Will HERE , Debbie Wilson offers much wisdom – focus on the Guide not the goal. He will never lead us astray.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Image by Steve Adcock from Pixabay
Amen Joanne! I love how you brought that out in this story, one that I don’t remember being aware of before. Thank you!
Blessings, Jennifer
I hadn’t either, Jennifer. It was the one verse that kept stirring my thoughts. It made me realize the times I had been asked to do something, but was uncomfortable to do it. It wasn’t that I couldn’t do it, but it just wasn’t me.
I had noted that situation of Saul’s armor not working for David in earlier readings. But just last week I came across another blog post making this same application you did, which I had not considered before—that what works for one person might not work for another. God doesn’t call us to serve Him in a cookie-cutter fashion—He gives everyone different gifts and talents and tools.
It’s so neat when God lays similar messages on the hearts of different writers and speakers at the same time. It’s like He really wants to emphasize a particular truth on His people.
I like how you worded it, Barbara – “God doesn’t call us to serve Him in a cookie-cutter fashion.” Nor does He work in this way. If you are able, would you share the link for that post as I hadn’t read it. Thanks!
I’m happy to, Joanne. It’s written for pastors, but I think it has applications for all of us: https://sola.network/article/wear-your-own-armor/
Thank you for sharing the link, Barbara! This was a wonderful article. Much wisdom in all he wrote and yes, application for us all. Thank you!
Joanne, thanks for this call to thoughtful discernment. More than ever we need to hear God’s voice saying, ‘THIS is the way, walk ye in it.’
Yes and Amen!
The Lord used that story to encourage me, when I had to speak at an event with snazzy speakers, to be myself and not worry about what I’m not. I appreciate the reminder.
I had never seen this story from this perspective. I love how God’s Word falls fresh and new. Blessings!
Love this, Joanne, so many times we try to be like others especially in ministry. I suppose we figure if the method works for them it will work for us. But God specifically suits us for His work in unique ways!
Love the play on words!
And especially love your application. I’ve noticed a similar freedom of response in Ezra and Nehemiah where one accepted a royal guard for the journey and one declined. Both had good and God glorifying reasons and neither was wrong..
Joanne, I don’t think I had ever thought about this before either. You’re right … there was nothing wrong with Saul the warrior wanting David to be protected in his confrontation with Goliath. But I’m glad David was confident in God enough to decline the armor that impeded his movements! And I love your application–that “when something is meant for us … it won’t feel awkward or clumsy.”
When something is truly meant to be it often resonates in a way that feels both natural and steady—aligned with who we are and how we’re wired. It doesn’t mean it will be effortless, but it won’t feel forced or ill-fitting either. As we step forward, there is a growing peace—not necessarily the absence of uncertainty, but a grounded assurance that we are walking in the direction God has planned for us!
I hadn’t considered the insights you bring up here regarding the armour. What strikes me is that he “took them off.” I’ve kept things on that don’t fit right, like interests, hobbies, clothing styles, to “fit” in, even though they did fit not at all. Yes, He is the one who designed us and knows what fits best, all for His glory.