Who doesn’t love the David and Goliath story? Good vs Evil. Shepherd boy vs a Giant. Slingshot vs Sword. Overcoming odds. I never tire of it. But there’s more to the story than David (and God) defeating Goliath. Often overlooked is why David used a slingshot and stones, why not the sword or armour that Saul gave him?
Let’s get to that part of the story. David has volunteered to fight Goliath and goes to King Saul…
I Samuel 17:38-41
“Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. David fastened his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them. “I cannot go in these,” he said to Saul, “because I am not used to them.” So he took them off. Then he took his staff in his hand, chose 5 smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.” (NIV)
Can you believe David gave up armour and a sword for five stones and a slingshot? David was a shepherd boy. He was alone in the pastures guiding and protecting the sheep. I can picture him running around using that sling shot to knock down who knows what, practicing to improve his aim. Also as a shepherd, he would have had to fight off wild animals to protect the sheep. (I Samuel 17:36) David didn’t realize it then, but God had been preparing him for this moment to fight Goliath, not with a sword or armour but a slingshot and stones.
As I look back on my experiences and challenges, I realize God is always preparing me for the next adventure with him. My high school and college basketball playing days, mission trips to Belarus, Israel and Costa Rica running basketball camps, teaching and coaching in high school for 31 years, being a high school and college youth leader were all preparation for my recent summer trip to Spain with the AIA women’s college basketball team as an assistant coach and discipleship leader. He equipped me with the ability to teach, disciple and gave me the weapons of a basketball and a Bible to teach people about Jesus’ love.
How is he preparing you? What is your weapon he has given you? Every gift, every experience and, even the trials you face, are preparing you for an unbelievable experience that God has planned. When you’re in the midst of trials, this is often hard to see. As you’re playing your sport, facing injury or tough challenges, know that God is preparing you. He is equipping you with the gift of your sport and life experiences to spread his love and make your life more fulfilling.
Whatever age, wherever you are, he is using, preparing and equipping you. David had a slingshot, stones and God. I didn’t have a slingshot and stones, but I do have a basketball, a Bible and like David, we all have God.
How is God equipping and preparing you? What are your slingshot and stones? Send me an email at hoopsrun@yahoo.com and let me know. And I’ll begin praying for you to use those to further God’s kingdom.
Written by: Coach Anna Nutt
- 3 Simple Joys
- Watching a sunrise on the beach
- Taking long walks with my dogs
- Walking in a new snowfall
- 2 Hobbies
- Playing pickleball
- Golfing
- 1 Favorite Passage
- “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
