Part 1. There’s a story in the Bible about a shepherd boy (David) who slays
a Philistine giant (Goliath), and the story records how this took place, as
well as the changes that David experienced. This is a story of amazing courage
and purpose and I believe each of us has faced or will face giants in life. In
each battle, we have an opportunity to experience victory when we choose the
specific stones needed for each specific battle. Why not grab a cuppa as we
look at this together over the next 6 or so weeks?

David’s story – you can check this out in the Old Testament of the Bible, in
1 Samuel 17. You can also look it up online at https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Samuel+17&version=NIVUK

David chose five smooth stones from a stream and put them into the pouch of
his shepherd’s bag and with a slingshot in hand, he approached the Philistine
giant. These were physical, literal stones that present a question – why 5?

Have you been there? You have had faith to step into what you see needs to
be done, you’re fully aware of the battle being bigger than you and you need a
Champion – and you’re unsure if you need a plan b? Please hear me, I’m not
saying David had a plan b, I’m simply referring to us here today. I know I have
a sense of something I’m to step into and then my head gets in the road. My
logic points out the idiocy of the idea, and my inner critic tells me as if
you can…

I want to explore 5 ‘stones’ that we can engage with in life and pick these
from the life of this mighty man David.

Stone 1 = Knowing God. David came to know God through the many experiences he had as a shepherd boy. This relationship, this ‘knowing’ was two-way – David knew God and God most certainly knew David. It was an intimate relationship borne out of the many conversations David had enjoyed with Him. These times of communication allowed David to know God’s heart and to develop his own way of seeing God and developing a love (heart) and life after the One David loved. David knew that this Philistine giant was defying God and His plans and purpose for the children of Israel (V26). David personally knew this God who could deliver, this God who called David by name.

Pause and consider: It can be helpful for us to consider our view of God. Some see Him as a cranky old man waiting to jump on them when they make mistakes. Perhaps we see Him as someone who doesn’t care, who is too busy or just can’t be bothered. You can imagine this view of God means we will find it difficult to trust Him.

How do you see God?