As a young writer I was often unsure of myself when I was in writing workshops. I would look around and see rooms filled with giants, if you will—people with formal training or years of experience. I had neither. But what I did have was an ear formed by the language and tone and cadences of the King James Version of the Bible. It was very much my armor, so to speak, what I was used to, and allowing it to inform my writing style and voice has become a joy to me, and I hope to others.
We don’t get the impression that David the young shepherd was unsure of himself when it came to wearing Saul’s armor to fight Goliath (1 Samuel 17:38–39). He simply couldn’t move around in it. David realized one man’s armor can be another man’s prison—“I cannot go in these” (v. 39). So he trusted what he knew. God had prepared him for that moment with just what was needed (vv. 34–35). The sling and stones were what David was used to, his armor, and God used them to bring joy to the ranks of Israel that day.
Have you ever felt unsure of yourself, thinking If I just had what someone else has, then my life would be different? Consider the gifts or experiences God has given specifically to you. Trust your God-given armor.
INSIGHT
David’s fearsome opponent was Goliath, a Philistine. Philistia bordered the Mediterranean Sea and was west of the Southern Kingdom of Judah. The Philistines had long been a thorn in the side of the Israelites. Goliath was from the city of Gath in Philistia, and was sent by the Philistines to battle against one of the Israelites in Saul’s army. Whoever was the victor would decide the fate of the entire army (1 Samuel 17:8–11). Decked out in impressively heavy armor, Goliath was a giant of a man—“six cubits and a span,” about 9’9″ tall! (vv. 4–7). When young David stepped up to battle, he did so under God’s power (v. 45).