Don’t Focus on Your Shortcomings

Thanks to David Trotta for today's blog entry:

David said to the Philistine (Goliath), “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.  As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him.

(1 Samuel 17: 45, 48)

 

We often look at our shortcomings when determining if God can use us.  When God calls us to do something, we size up our abilities and say “God, you’ve got the wrong person. I can’t do that.”  One of the many qualities that made David “a man after God’s own heart” was his willingness to trust in God’s ability, not his own.

 

We often say “I’m too young or inexperienced to do that task,” but David ran to face Goliath in spite of his youth.

 

We often say “I’m not strong enough,” but David ran to face Goliath even though the giant’s armor probably weighed more than he did.

 

We often say “I’m not gifted with the necessary tools,” but David ran to face Goliath with only a sling and a few stones.

 

We often let the opinions of others deter us from following the Lord, but David ran to face Goliath in spite of the discouraging words from his brother. (v28)

 

When it comes to allowing God to use you, don’t focus on your shortcomings, but instead, run onto the battlefield confident in God’s ability.  Be a David.  I can already hear the thuds from the giants falling in your life.