Five Stones

A friend recently gave me these five stones as a gift. They serve as an important reminder to me...

Most people are familiar with the story of David and Goliath. Goliath was a mighty Philistine warrior challenging the Israelite army. David, a mere shepherd boy, was sent by his father to check on his older brothers at the Israelite camp.

When David arrived, he offered to battle Goliath. While doubtful about David's chances, King Saul allowed him to face the mighty warrior. Saul offered David his tunic for battle, but when David put on the tunic, armor, and sword he said, "I cannot go in these, because I am not used to them." So he took them off, grabbed his staff, five smooth stones from the stream, and with his sling in his hand, approached Goliath.

David killed Goliath with one stone.

We all have distinct gifts, talents, and abilities. Life's experiences and lessons, along with the personality and attributes that are hardwired into us, make us unique. Saul was a warrior. David was a shepherd. Both could go to battle, but each had to do it in a way that was true to who they were.

We must do the same.

I don't believe that God picks out one job for us or has predetermined what we are going to do with our life. But I do believe that each of us is special and has something to offer the world. Regardless of where we have been, what we have experienced, or what other people tell us, we are all valuable.

Sometimes we find ourselves in places we shouldn't be because we ignore who we are. We ignore our strengths and our weaknesses and avoid honest self-evaluation.

I am not saying that we should wait for God to show us that one perfect job, partner, friend, house, opportunity, etc. However, we must be willing to do the hard work to understand who we are, how we are made, and how life has shaped us up to this moment. When we do that and find moments to be still, we can start to discern how we might make the best impact in the world.

I believe that David would not have won the battle if he had worn the armor. It didn't fit him, physically or in terms of who he was. Yes, David trusted in God, but one of the main ways he trusted in God was to realize who God had made him to be. David was a shepherd, and shepherds fight differently than warriors.

Whatever lies before you in your life, think about who you are and how you have been shaped up to this moment. Who are you? What have you experienced? What has prepared you for this moment in your life?

Maybe you need to lay down the armor and sword and pick up a few stones.