Devotion

Theme: The Overtaking Tools 

Text: 1 Samuel 17:40

40 Then he took his staff in his hand; and he chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag, in a pouch which he had, and his sling was in his hand. And he drew near to the Philistine.

On the field of battle, it is important to note the weapons or tools to use so as to win the battle. The Philistine leader Goliath dared the Israelites to select for themselves a man who will fight with him. Little did he know that, the anointed king was on the field of battle. The son of Jessie was anointed by Samuel in the previous chapter (1 Samuel 16:11-13).

David in the fullness of God's anointing decided to take up the challenge despite the discouragement from his brothers. Saul wanted to cloth him in his attire yet it just couldn't work. When the anointing speaks in your life, you know just what to use as weapon in battle and that's just what David used. The following tools were used by David in the above verse:

1. His staff

2. Five smooth stones

3. His sling

The power of the staff can never be under estimated. The staff is usually use by the shepherd to manage his flock as well as serving as a weapon of defence against predators. The staff also comforts (Psalm 23:4). It is also a weapon of honour and unity as stated Zechariah 11:7. David really knew what he took.

Having positioned himself for honour, he lowered himself to pick up stones. The process is a symbolism of submissiveness to the Lord who is the rock of ages. He picked Jesus (five stones). Sure if the Lord be for us, who can be against us? No body can defy the Lord's warrior. It was clear therefore why he told Goliath in verses 45-47 that; 45 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. 47 Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.”

His sling is what supported him to put an end to the pompous Goliath. Jesus is able to pull down every strong hold in your life if you submit to him. Do not depend on your physical strength in any battle, whether spiritual or physical. You have the power to bring down every Goliath in your life through Christ Jesus.

Prayer: Rock of Ages, cleft for me,

Let me hide myself in Thee. I pray You divinely equip me at all times for battle and victory will be mine in Christ Jesus. AMEN!