Trusting in him

I think about the story of David when he made the decision to go up against Goliath. Let’s keep in mind that David was a small guy in stature. Biblical scholars estimate his height to be around 5’2, while Goliath was around nine feet. David had every reason to fear Goliath. The giant was scaring off all of the trained soldiers that were assigned to kill him off. David, a young boy, was a sheepherder with some sharp abilities that apparently no one knew about. He immediately took on the challenge to defeat the giant as soon as he heard of how Goliath had the audacity to threaten the armies of the land. Saul began to dress David to war against Goliath by putting on the gear that all soldiers typically wore when they were preparing for battle. Saul dressed him with a brass helmet, a protective coat made of metal, and a sword to ensure he wore what had been proven to physically guard their bodies during war. David was outfitted for battle when he realized that it wasn’t appropriate for how he usually fights in battles. Wearing what soldiers have always worn was not suitable. David stated, "I can't go in these, I'm not used to them.” He took off all of the dressing and weaponry. David picked up his staff and five stones; and he took off for battle against Goliath. The lesson here is to live out your life based on your own uniqueness and how God has wired you. Individuals have to live out their own path, exclusively designed by the Creator.

David is a true demonstration of courage in his abilities and in his relationship with God. He had the confidence in his skills to take Goliath out. But even greater, David knew that whatever he lacked in skill, God would fill in the gaps to ensure he had the victory over the enemy. When David met up with Goliath spewing out threats, David responded by making it clear that he had God on his side. Because of that fact alone, he knew that he would win the battle. David won his fight against Goliath using a slingshot and a stone. 

Confidence is defined as having full assurance in or about something. God commanded us to be courageous in times of difficulty and opposition. In other words, walking in confidence and courage is a decision we make, not an attribute we pray for. It is an opportunity for us to demonstrate our love for Him when we must make a choice to be led by our flesh or be led by His word.

Trusting God at His word means to step out of the boat when He calls you to use your abilities to fulfill His purpose. Yes, even when you don't see all of the steps in front of you and when it looks like it's an impossible situation. You have to make a choice based on your fears or based on your con- fidence in His word. God's way is always perfect and with God you cannot lose when you make the decision to trust Him, regardless of how you feel.