Morning Devotional
April 2, 2005
"The Strength of A Shepherd Boy" 
    by Don Emmitte

A Personal Note: Happy Birthday David! Today is my second son’s birthday. It hardy seems like more than yesterday when I was rushing Mary to the hospital in Conroe, TX to see him born. What a joy these 26 years have been for me. The memories are so wonderful!

 

Don't worry about a thing," David told Saul. "I'll go fight this Philistine!" "Don't be ridiculous!" Saul replied. "There is no way you can go against this Philistine. You are only a boy, and he has been in the army since he was a boy!" But David persisted. "I have been taking care of my father's sheep," he said. "When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and take the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I'll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! The LORD who saved me from the claws of the lion and the bear will save me from this Philistine!" (1 Samuel 17:33-37 NLT).

 

Today being David’s birthday, I have decided to go to one of my favorite stories in the Old Testament. Today’s reading is in the midst of it. David was no more than a boy who had no more experience in battle than protecting his father’s sheep from the predatory animals in the hills surrounding his home. However, he knew where his strength came from. The same God that led him as a shepherd would lead him in battle against the champion of the Philistines. And, he also knew that Goliath was no match for his God!

 

Funny how difficult a lesson that is to learn sometimes. Some of the giants I have faced this year have seemed unbeatable. And, to be honest, some of them have yet to be conquered! Maybe that’s where you are today also.

 

Let me encourage you with the absolute truth that God will not fail you. Goliath was not David’s last challenge. It was only his first. I am convinced that the reason he picked up five smooth stones was that he understood that principle. Some have said that the other stones were for Goliath’s brothers. Others have indicated that David wasn’t really sure if one would be enough. I believe that he was merely preparing for the eventuality of the future. He knew one would be enough for Goliath, but he wanted to be prepared for whatever else might rise up against him. There would be other giants. He was ready for them!

 

Are you ready for your giants? Have you armed yourself with enough “stones”? Let me suggest that you pick up some of the verses of Scripture that will complete your arsenal. My all-time favorite is Deuteronomy 31:6. “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid of them! The LORD your God will go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you." There are many others. Walk through the Bible and find them for the battles to be fought in your future. No giant is a match for our God!