Listen

He then grabbed his staff and chose five smooth stones from the streambed. He put them in the pocket of his shepherd’s bag and with sling in hand went out to the Philistine.

The Philistine got closer and closer to David, and his shield-bearer was in front of him. When the Philistine looked David over, he sneered at David because he was just a boy; reddish brown and good-looking.

The Philistine asked David, “Am I some sort of dog that you come at me with sticks?” And he cursed David by his gods. “Come here,” he said to David, “and I’ll feed your flesh to the wild birds and the wild animals!”

1 Samuel 17:40-44

Think

For David, it was his staff and smooth stones that would get him ready for the challenge. These items represent who he is – a shepherd with experience caring for and protecting his flock of sheep. Not fancy items, but items he is familiar with and knows how to use well. Goliath even mocked him because he was just a child!

What about you? What would you grab if you’re called to serve? No matter your talents and gifts, don’t let anyone look down on you. We serve a God who has the power to use seemingly insignificant “items” to accomplish God’s amazing story! All God needs from us is the courage, like David, to bring all of who we are to serve.

Shauw Chin Capps

Pray

God, when the giants in my life mock me, help me to have confidence to be who you have created me to be. Help me to set an example through my words and actions so that others can more fully see you. Amen.

Go

God’s grace offers us blank pages and invites us to continue to write our part in God’s story!

Have courage! Keep writing because we serve a faithful God who has the power to weave our story into God’s good plan for the world.