A Worship Magazine
Easley Presbyterian Church
Easley, SC
February 2020 Vol. 6 Issue 1
A common thread that joins us together with Christ and with each other.
“Swords and Slings” We all know the story of David and Goliath. It’s the story of a little boy with only a little sling shot (and a very big God) defeating the powerful giant that had an entire military shaking in their boots (or sandals). But there’s more to this story. David was chosen and called by God for this task. The first thing that really strikes me about the story is the strong conviction of this young man. He heard the clear call from God; then he had the strength of faith to follow that call. He even had the strength to stand up to his own brothers, and even King Saul when questioned about this call. Strong conviction, strong faith, no doubt! Long before David had ever heard the name Goliath, he had been equipped with the knowledge and the skills that would be needed to fulfill this task. Long before God called him, God equipped him. Long before he knew what would be required of him, he had practiced and refined his skills with the sling. So when the time came, he was ready to follow the call. A sling is a very strange choice of weapon against a giant, but God had equipped David with skills with the sling and David knew his strengths. Saul tried to convince David that he needed to use a sword and shield, armor and spear. But the sword was heavy and clumsy, and the shield was cumbersome, and the armor just did not fit young David. No, David relied on his strengths — the strength of his faith, and the strength of his skills. David chose to be the man that God had called him to be rather than the man the world wanted him to be — the man the world was convinced
he must be in order to complete this “giant” task. Sometimes, there are too many voices telling us who we should be, what we should do, and how we should do it. I admit that I have been pulled and pushed and torn apart by these opinions. David chose the better way. God has called me. My call may be different from your call. God has equipped me with knowledge and skills. My knowledge and skills may be different from yours. I will chose to be the man God has called me to be and use the gifts and abilities that He has given me to use. A sword may be a perfectly good choice — even a more reasonable choice, but God has given me a sling. And David has taught me that with faith and skill and God, a sling is more than sufficient. Who has God called you to be? What has he called you to do? How has he gifted you for the task? Are you strengthening your faith in preparation to hear and follow the call? Are you practicing your skills in preparation for the moment God calls you into action? Are you ready to be the person God has created you to be? With confidence, pick up your sling and follow. Amen. —Robert Norris